Stabilization of Laccase Through Immobilization on Functionalized GO-Derivatives

This chapter deals with the use of functionalized derivatives of graphene oxide as nanoscaffolds for the immobilization and stabilization of laccase from Trametes versicolor. Covalent and noncovalent immobilization approaches are described, while a novel method for the development of laccase-based multilayer nanoassemblies is also presented. Various biochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques were applied to characterize the nanobiocatalytic systems in respect to their microstructure and catalytic performance. Laccase-GO nanosystems were characterized with FTIR spectroscopy in order to confirm the functionalization of the nanomaterials, as well as to interpret the nanomaterial-enzyme interactions, while the multilayer structure of laccase-based multilayer nanoassemblies was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. The nanobiocatalytic systems presented here demonstrated exceptional stability and reusability compared with the free enzyme form, leading to robust biocatalytic systems appropriate for various applications of industrial interest.