Laccase immobilized on mesoporous silica supports as an efficient system for wastewater bioremediation

The feasibility of using laccase from Trametes versicolor for degradation of aromatic hydrocar-bons has been investigated. In the experiments, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was used. Laccase was immobilized onto mesoporous micelle-templated silica such as Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) and hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) as well as corresponding amino-functionalized supports. The best results were obtained for SBA-15 mesoporous silica however the HMS support could be as well considered for this type of application. The reusability of laccase immobilized into both silica supports was tested for five reaction cycles and the conversion reached about 70% of the initial value.