Production, purification, and properties of an extracellular laccase from Rigidoporus lignosus

Laccase from Rigidoporus lignosus, a white-rot basidiomycete, has been isol ated from culture filtrates. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and som e of its structural and kinetic parameters have been determined. The effect s of pH, temperature, and organic solvents on the activity and stability of the enzyme, under different conditions, were also assayed. The results we have obtained, including the rather broad substrate specificity of enzyme, combined with their relatively easy production and purification, suggest th at laccase may be efficiently employed in a variety of biotechnology applic ations. (C) 2000 Academic Press.