Production of a novel laccase from Ceratorhiza hydrophila and assessing its potential in natural dye fixation and cytotoxicity against tumor cells
Background
Flavonoidnatural dyes have gained attention because they are nontoxic and eco-friendly. However, they do not work effectively with artificial fibers and require the use of mordants, which are considered as hazardous chemicals.Laccaseenzyme catalyzestheoxidationof phenols, forming phenoxyl radicals that undergo a further polymerization process. So, laccase can oxidize flavonoid dyes, and it can be used instead of harmful mordants in flavonoid dye fixation on cotton fabrics. Laccases also are involved in a variety of metabolic processes, and they have anti-proliferative effects toward HepG2 and MCF-7 tumor cells.
Results
Among fifteenfungal isolates, the fungusCeratorhiza hydrophilaisolated from the submerged plantMyriophyllum spicatumwas selected as the most potent laccase producer. Optimization of the production medium resulted in a 9.9-fold increase in laccase productivity. The partially purifiedCeratorhiza hydrophilalaccase could successfully improve the affinity of cotton fabrics towardquercetin(flavonoid) dye with excellent color fastness properties. The partially purified laccase also showed anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 and MCF-7 tumor cells. However, high laccase concentration is required to estimate IC50.
Conclusions
Ceratorhiza hydrophilaMK387081 is an excellent laccase producer. The partially purified laccase fromCeratorhiza hydrophilacan be used in textile dyeing and printing processes as a safer alternative to the conventional hazardous mordants. Also, it can be used in preparation of cancertreatment drugs. However, further studies are needed to investigate IC50 for both cell types at higher laccase concentrations.