Introduction to laccase enzymes and their applications

Laccases are an interesting group of multi copper enzymes, which are widely distributed in higher plants and fungi. In fungi laccase is present in Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes, Basidiomycetes and is particularly abundant in many whit-rot fungi that degrade lignin. The ability of the enzyme to act on wide range of substrate has made them very important in many of the biotechnological applications. They have wide temperature and pH activity range. Their large capacities to act on both phenolic and non-phenolic lignin related compounds as well as highly recalcitrant environmental pollutant helped researchers to put them in various biotechnological applications.