# Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes by White-Rot FungusDatronia sp. KAPI0039 and Their Application for Reactive Dye Removal

Authors: Pilanee Vaithanomsat; Waraporn Apiwatanapiwat; Oncheera Petchoy; Jirawate Chedchant
Journal: International Journal of Chemical Engineering
 (2010)

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## Abstract

This study focused on decolorization of 2 reactive dyes; Reactive Blue 19 (RBBR) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5), by selected white-rot fungusDatronia sp. KAPI0039. The effects of reactive dye concentration, fungal inoculum size as well as pH were studied. Samples were periodically collected for the measurement of color unit, Laccase (Lac), Manganese Peroxidase (MnP), and Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) activity. Eighty-six percent of 1,000 mg L−1 RBBR decolorization was achieved by 2% (w/v) Datronia sp. KAPI0039 at pH 5. The highest Lac activity (759.81 UL−1) was detected in the optimal condition. For RB5, Datronia sp. KAPI0039 efficiently performed (88.01% decolorization) at 2% (w/v) fungal inoculum size for the reduction of 600 mg L−1 RB5 under pH 5. The highest Lac activity (178.57 UL−1) was detected, whereas the activity of MnP and LiP was absent during this hour. The result, therefore, indicated that Datronia sp. KAPI0039 was obviously able to breakdown both reactive dyes, and Lac was considered as a major lignin-degradation enzyme in this reaction.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Large amount of chemical dyes, approximately 10,000 different dyes and pigments per year, are used for various industrial applications such as textile and printing industries. It is estimated that about 10% are lost in industrial effluents [1]. As a result, a significant proportion of these dyes are released to the environment in wastewater. Moreover, these dyes are designed to be resistant to light, water, and oxidizing agents and therefore difficult to naturally degrade once released into aquatic systems [2]. Thus, this can cause the obstruction of sunlight pass through the water resource by synthetic dyes, then leading to the decrease in oxygen dissolved in water, the photosynthesis of water plants, and the biodegradation of organic matters. At present, the biotechnological approaches were proven to be potentially effective in treatment of this pollution source in an eco-efficient manner [2]. The possibility to use ligninolytic fungi for the removal of synthetic dyes is one approach that attracts considerable attention. This is due to their production of ligninolytic enzymes—most frequently laccase and manganese peroxidase—that enable these microorganisms to oxidize a broad range of substrates including synthetic dyes [3].Many reports so far have demonstrated that white-rot fungi, such asPhanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma spp., Irpex lacteus, Dichomitus squalens, and Ischnoderma resinosum, in Basidiomycete class, were efficiently capable of decolorization of pulping effluent and dye solution by lignin-degrading enzymes (Lignin Peroxidase (LiP), Laccase (Lac), and Manganese Peroxidase (MnP)) through the oxidation of phenolic group in dyes [4–8]. They have been also widely researched for their ability in degradation and adsorption of dyes and some toxic chemicals such as PAHs or chlorophenol compounds [9, 10]. It was assumed that the color disappeared only after the chromophore structure of dye molecule was destroyed by many attack of lignin-degrading enzymes [11]. Attempts have still been made to screen for new strains with these capabilities. In 2006, Apiwattanapiwat et al. reported the efficiency of Datronia sp. KAPI0039 and Trichaptum sp. KAPI0025, isolated from rotten woods in Thailand, for 54.9% and 54.4% decolorization of pulp and paper mill effluent, respectively. In 2009, Chedchant et al. showed that Datronia sp. KAPI0039 that was cultivated on solid agar containing sawdust or rice straw released extracellular Lac and MnP. However, no research is conducted whether the decolorization capability of this strain is related to lignin-degrading enzymes. The knowledge obtained from this research is not only important to the use of enzymes or microorganisms in control either synthetic dyes removal or lignin degradation, but also to the understanding as alternatives to the conventional treatments.The present study aimed at enhancing the knowledge of white-rot fungusDatronia sp. KAPI0039 involved in the bio-oxidation of different reactive dyes. To this purpose, the relationship between ligninolytic enzymes production and decolorization of reactive dye solution by Datroniasp. KAPI0039 was assessed. Furthermore, its degradation efficiency for azo-based and anthraquinone-based reactive was compared.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Microorganism and Culture Conditions

A culture of white-rot fungus,Dratronia sp.KAPI0039, obtained from Apiwattanapiwat et al. [12], was used in this study. The fungal stock culture was maintained through periodic transfer on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) at 4°C until use. To prepare the inoculum, the fungus was transferred onto a fresh PDA plate and incubated at 30°C for 7 days. This was ready to be used for further experiments.


### 2.2. Dyes

The reactive dyes used in this study were obtained from DyStar Thai Company Limited in Thailand. They were Reactive Blue 19 (RBBR) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5). RBBR is a synthetic anthraquinone-based reactive dye. RB5 is a tetrasulphonated disazo reactive dye.


### 2.3. Bio-Oxidation of the Reactive Dye Solution by Dratronia sp.KAPI0039 (Adapted from [13])

Decolorization experiments were carried out in flasks. The dye solutions were prepared with the supplement of (g/L): glucose 10.0; K2HPO4 1.0; MgSO4·7H2O 0.5; KCl 0.5; FeSO4·7H2O 0.01; NH4NO3 1.75; and pH 5.5. To prepare inocula for liquid cultures, 20 agar plugs (ϕ7 mm from the edge of a 7-day-old agar culture) of Dratronia sp.KAPI0039 growing mycelia were inoculated into 250 mL Glucose Yeast Extract (GYE) medium and then incubated with 150 rpm shaking at 30°C for 6 days [12]. After that, they were filtered through cheese cloth to obtain fungal pellets. The bio-oxidation experiment was carried out in 500-mL flasks containing 300 mL dye solution. These were inoculated with 2.5% (w/v) wet Datronia sp. fungal pellets and incubated with 150 rpm shaking at 30°C for 7 days. The color units and lignin-degrading enzymes production were monitored periodically in order to evaluate the performance of fungal cells in decolorization. All treatments were run in triplicates. The related parameters, including the concentration of reactive dyes (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/L), fungal inoculum size (1, 2, and 3 g), and pH (3, 5, 7, and 9) were studied.


### 2.4. Enzyme Activities

Laccase (Lac) activity was measured by monitoring the oxidation of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) at 420 nm (molar extinction coefficient = 36,000 M-1 cm-1) according to Eggert et al.,1996. One unit of laccase activity was defined as the amount of enzyme that oxidizes one 1 μmol ABTS in 1 minute.Lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity was measured by monitoring the oxidation of veratryl alcohol in the presence of H2O2 at 310 nm (molar extinction coefficient = 9,300 M-1 cm-1) according to Tien and Kirk [14]. One unit of LiP activity was defined as the amount of enzyme catalyzing the formation of 1 μmol of veratraldehyde per minute.Determination of Manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity using MBTH and DMAB was based on Castillo et al., 1994. MBTH and DMAB were oxidatively coupled by the action of the enzyme in the presence of added H2O2 and Mn2+ ions to give a purple indamine dye product. One unit of MnP activity was defined as an amount catalyzing the production of 1 μmol of green or purple product per ml per min.


### 2.5. Color Unit

The samples were filtered through 0.45μm cellulose acetate membrane to remove suspended solids. The intensity of color, before and after treatment, was spectrophotometrically determined (HUCH DR/2010) at 592 nm [3].


## 2.1. Microorganism and Culture Conditions

A culture of white-rot fungus,Dratronia sp.KAPI0039, obtained from Apiwattanapiwat et al. [12], was used in this study. The fungal stock culture was maintained through periodic transfer on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) at 4°C until use. To prepare the inoculum, the fungus was transferred onto a fresh PDA plate and incubated at 30°C for 7 days. This was ready to be used for further experiments.


## 2.2. Dyes

The reactive dyes used in this study were obtained from DyStar Thai Company Limited in Thailand. They were Reactive Blue 19 (RBBR) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5). RBBR is a synthetic anthraquinone-based reactive dye. RB5 is a tetrasulphonated disazo reactive dye.


## 2.3. Bio-Oxidation of the Reactive Dye Solution by Dratronia sp.KAPI0039 (Adapted from [13])

Decolorization experiments were carried out in flasks. The dye solutions were prepared with the supplement of (g/L): glucose 10.0; K2HPO4 1.0; MgSO4·7H2O 0.5; KCl 0.5; FeSO4·7H2O 0.01; NH4NO3 1.75; and pH 5.5. To prepare inocula for liquid cultures, 20 agar plugs (ϕ7 mm from the edge of a 7-day-old agar culture) of Dratronia sp.KAPI0039 growing mycelia were inoculated into 250 mL Glucose Yeast Extract (GYE) medium and then incubated with 150 rpm shaking at 30°C for 6 days [12]. After that, they were filtered through cheese cloth to obtain fungal pellets. The bio-oxidation experiment was carried out in 500-mL flasks containing 300 mL dye solution. These were inoculated with 2.5% (w/v) wet Datronia sp. fungal pellets and incubated with 150 rpm shaking at 30°C for 7 days. The color units and lignin-degrading enzymes production were monitored periodically in order to evaluate the performance of fungal cells in decolorization. All treatments were run in triplicates. The related parameters, including the concentration of reactive dyes (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/L), fungal inoculum size (1, 2, and 3 g), and pH (3, 5, 7, and 9) were studied.


## 2.4. Enzyme Activities

Laccase (Lac) activity was measured by monitoring the oxidation of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) at 420 nm (molar extinction coefficient = 36,000 M-1 cm-1) according to Eggert et al.,1996. One unit of laccase activity was defined as the amount of enzyme that oxidizes one 1 μmol ABTS in 1 minute.Lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity was measured by monitoring the oxidation of veratryl alcohol in the presence of H2O2 at 310 nm (molar extinction coefficient = 9,300 M-1 cm-1) according to Tien and Kirk [14]. One unit of LiP activity was defined as the amount of enzyme catalyzing the formation of 1 μmol of veratraldehyde per minute.Determination of Manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity using MBTH and DMAB was based on Castillo et al., 1994. MBTH and DMAB were oxidatively coupled by the action of the enzyme in the presence of added H2O2 and Mn2+ ions to give a purple indamine dye product. One unit of MnP activity was defined as an amount catalyzing the production of 1 μmol of green or purple product per ml per min.


## 2.5. Color Unit

The samples were filtered through 0.45μm cellulose acetate membrane to remove suspended solids. The intensity of color, before and after treatment, was spectrophotometrically determined (HUCH DR/2010) at 592 nm [3].


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Activities of Lac, LiP, and MnP

The results showed the consistent result with Chedchant et al. [15] that Datroniasp. KAPI0039 produced Lac and MnP but not LiP. The activity of the enzymes, however, differed significantly (data not shown). Lac was detectable in the early growth period and reached maximum (4,502.2 U/g substrate) after 4 days of cultivation. Unlikely, MnP activity was maximum (471.7 U/g substrate) after 8 day cultivations. However, none of LiP was detected.


### 3.2. Biodegradation of the Reactive Dye Solution by Dratronia sp. KAPI0039

#### 3.2.1. The Effect of Reactive Dyes Concentrations

The effects of reactive RBBR and RB5 concentrations on %decolorization, Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 were experimented. Dye solutions were varied at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/L concentrations. The results indicated a dramatic decrease (>90%) in color reduction of both RBBR and RB5 solutions at every concentration (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). The results (99.6% decolorization in 72 hours) also indicated the rate and extent of decolorization of RBBR compared favourably with those by other white-rot fungi such as P. chrysosporium (83% decolorization in 264 hours; [16]), Bjerkandera sp. BOS55 (65% decolorization in 480 hours; [16]), and Trametes trogii (85% decolorization in 72 hours; Mechichi et al., 2006 [17]). Furthermore, the result demonstrated that dye concentration did affect the time period to reach maximum decolorization for both RBBR and RB5 solutions. A general tendency was that more concentrated dye solution caused slower rate and longer time period for decolorization [11]. For example, Datronia sp. KAPI0039 reached maximum 99.86% color reduction from 200 mg L-1 RBBR solution within only 72 hours of treatment, whereas maximum 98.87% decolorization from 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR solution was achieved after 168 hours of treatment (Figure 1). This was consistent with the study by Aksu et al. (2007) [18] that the white-rot T. versicolor took 8 days to reach maximum 95% color reduction from 58.4 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution, whereas maximum 77% color reduction from 358.6 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution was achieved within 14 days. Interestingly, RBBR seemed to be degraded much better than RB5 as observed by higher %decolorization (Figures 1 and 2). Revankar and Lele [19] reported azo dyes were recalcitrant to decolorization and could be decolorized to a limited extent. However, Eichlerová et al. [20] stated that the difference between decolorization of structurally different dyes was not easy to explain. This was because that this process required the destruction of the chromophore, thus, the slow decolorization rate of some dyes could be attributed to the complexity of their chromophores, but the overall complexity alone was not an indicator of the difficulty of decolorization of a particular dye.Figure 1
The effect of reactive RBBR dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 2
The effect of reactive RB5 dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.During the course of dye decolorization, maximum Lac activities at 759.81 UL-1 and 178.57 UL-1 were detected in the fungal-treated RBBR and RB5 solutions (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). A little MnP and none of LiP activities (data not shown) was detected. The results also indicated the corresponding increase in Lac activity with an increased %decolorization, with the enzyme activity peaking at the time of maximum color reduction (16-h cultivation). Thus, only Lac seemed to be correlated with the dye decolorization as also supported by Rodríguez study [1]. Moreover, the highest Lac activity and %decolorization were obtained when 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR and RB5 solutions were applied. Thus, the higher dye concentration induced more Lac production and then resulting in more decolorization [2, 3]. This could also imply that decolorization of reactive dyes partially depended on Lac activity in the liquid cultures, but not on MnP and LiP activities. In addition, Lac activity in the liquid culture with RBBR was also much higher than that with RB5 (Figures 1 and 2) even though the similar %decolorization was observed. This could be associated with the specificity of ligninolytic enzymes on different dye structures [1], thus, different dye structures led to the induction of different ligninolytic enzymes. The important role of purified LiP in color reduction of several azo-, triphenyl methane, heterocyclic, and polymeric dyes has been clearly demonstrated [1, 11, 21]. In this experiment, none of LiP was detected, therefore, high %decolorization of RB5 solution was thought to be involved in other mechanisms. One approach was attributed to the sorption of the dye on the fungal mycelium [3, 8]. Thus, it could be assumed that the mechanism of synthetic dye degradation by Datronia sp. KAPI0039 was shared by the extracellular enzymes activity and biosorption on fungal cells. However, the relative contributions of ligninolytic enzymes to the decolorization of dyes might be different for each fungal strain and each dye [22].


#### 3.2.2. The Effect of Fungal Inoculum Size

The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization, and Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 was investigated (Figures 3 and 4). The inoculum sizes used in this study were varied at 1, 2, and 3% (w/v). This strain decolorized both dyes tested, but RBBR decolorization was faster and started earlier than that of RB5. Over ninety percent of RBBR was decolorized as early as in the first 24 hours of cultivation, but only 20% of RB5 was removed within the same period and continuously removed to maximum 90% after 100 hours of cultivation. The fungal inoculum size was found to slightly affect the decolorization of both dyes. The production of Lac and MnP was also studied under the same conditions as in the decolorization experiments. The high activity of Lac was detected whereas low amount of MnP was detected. The results showed that Lac activity was affected partially by the fungal inoculum size as observed by the similar Lac activity in every fungal inoculum size used in the study. Usually, lower inoculum size requires longer time for the cells to multiply to sufficient number to utilize the substrate and produce enzyme. An increase in the inoculum size would ensure a rapid proliferation and biomass synthesis. However, after a certain limit, enzyme production could decrease because of depletion of nutrients due to the enhanced biomass, which would result in a decrease in metabolic activity [23]. Furthermore, the results demonstrated direct relationship between Lac activity and dye decolorization as shown by the highest Lac activity and dye decolorization at the same period. The study of Baldrian and Šnajdr [3] was also consistent showing that RBBR was more efficiently degraded than RB5 by the litter-decomposing fungi, as well as that Lac was the major ligninolytic enzyme found in that condition.Figure 3
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 4
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


#### 3.2.3. The Effect of Reaction pH

The effect of pH on dye decolorization was investigated at 4 pH (3, 5, 7, and 9). The results were shown in Figures5 and 6. Although the decolorization of individual dye (RBBR and RB5) was affected by pH to different extent, a better decolorization was observed for RBBR. The results also indicated that a better decolorization of RBBR was achieved under the neutral to basic conditions whereas RB5 was decolorized better under an acidic condition. This was consistent with the study by Young and Yu [11] that the azo-based dye was more effectively degraded by white-rot fungi under an acidic condition. During the decolorization experiment, the production of Lac and MnP by the fungus was determined as a function of time (Figures 5 and 6). Of the two enzymes studied, Lac activity was found in larger amount in the crude extract of both RBBR and RB5. The pH clearly affected Lac production (Figure 5). This is consistent with the research by Tavares et al. [24] that low pH values of the culture medium are not favorable for Lac production by Trametes versicolor. There could be 2 explanations for this: (1) either the metabolism of Lac synthesis is repressed at low pH values; or (2) conformational changes in the enzyme’s three-dimensional structure are promoted by low pH, affecting the active site, not allowing biocatalytic reactions. Several studies also show that Lac stability was very dependent on pH and temperature. Nyanhongo et al. [25] reported that Lac stability from T. modestawas significantly affected by pH <4.5. Another study by Jönsson et al. [26] showed that pH less than 4 was detrimental for Lac production and suggested that a possible explanation for this was Lac’s susceptibility to acidic proteases. Furthermore, the results indicated the relationship between time course of Lac production and the ability of Datronia sp. KAPI0039 to decolorize the two dyes.Figure 5
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 6
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


## 3.1. Activities of Lac, LiP, and MnP

The results showed the consistent result with Chedchant et al. [15] that Datroniasp. KAPI0039 produced Lac and MnP but not LiP. The activity of the enzymes, however, differed significantly (data not shown). Lac was detectable in the early growth period and reached maximum (4,502.2 U/g substrate) after 4 days of cultivation. Unlikely, MnP activity was maximum (471.7 U/g substrate) after 8 day cultivations. However, none of LiP was detected.


## 3.2. Biodegradation of the Reactive Dye Solution by Dratronia sp. KAPI0039

### 3.2.1. The Effect of Reactive Dyes Concentrations

The effects of reactive RBBR and RB5 concentrations on %decolorization, Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 were experimented. Dye solutions were varied at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/L concentrations. The results indicated a dramatic decrease (>90%) in color reduction of both RBBR and RB5 solutions at every concentration (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). The results (99.6% decolorization in 72 hours) also indicated the rate and extent of decolorization of RBBR compared favourably with those by other white-rot fungi such as P. chrysosporium (83% decolorization in 264 hours; [16]), Bjerkandera sp. BOS55 (65% decolorization in 480 hours; [16]), and Trametes trogii (85% decolorization in 72 hours; Mechichi et al., 2006 [17]). Furthermore, the result demonstrated that dye concentration did affect the time period to reach maximum decolorization for both RBBR and RB5 solutions. A general tendency was that more concentrated dye solution caused slower rate and longer time period for decolorization [11]. For example, Datronia sp. KAPI0039 reached maximum 99.86% color reduction from 200 mg L-1 RBBR solution within only 72 hours of treatment, whereas maximum 98.87% decolorization from 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR solution was achieved after 168 hours of treatment (Figure 1). This was consistent with the study by Aksu et al. (2007) [18] that the white-rot T. versicolor took 8 days to reach maximum 95% color reduction from 58.4 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution, whereas maximum 77% color reduction from 358.6 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution was achieved within 14 days. Interestingly, RBBR seemed to be degraded much better than RB5 as observed by higher %decolorization (Figures 1 and 2). Revankar and Lele [19] reported azo dyes were recalcitrant to decolorization and could be decolorized to a limited extent. However, Eichlerová et al. [20] stated that the difference between decolorization of structurally different dyes was not easy to explain. This was because that this process required the destruction of the chromophore, thus, the slow decolorization rate of some dyes could be attributed to the complexity of their chromophores, but the overall complexity alone was not an indicator of the difficulty of decolorization of a particular dye.Figure 1
The effect of reactive RBBR dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 2
The effect of reactive RB5 dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.During the course of dye decolorization, maximum Lac activities at 759.81 UL-1 and 178.57 UL-1 were detected in the fungal-treated RBBR and RB5 solutions (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). A little MnP and none of LiP activities (data not shown) was detected. The results also indicated the corresponding increase in Lac activity with an increased %decolorization, with the enzyme activity peaking at the time of maximum color reduction (16-h cultivation). Thus, only Lac seemed to be correlated with the dye decolorization as also supported by Rodríguez study [1]. Moreover, the highest Lac activity and %decolorization were obtained when 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR and RB5 solutions were applied. Thus, the higher dye concentration induced more Lac production and then resulting in more decolorization [2, 3]. This could also imply that decolorization of reactive dyes partially depended on Lac activity in the liquid cultures, but not on MnP and LiP activities. In addition, Lac activity in the liquid culture with RBBR was also much higher than that with RB5 (Figures 1 and 2) even though the similar %decolorization was observed. This could be associated with the specificity of ligninolytic enzymes on different dye structures [1], thus, different dye structures led to the induction of different ligninolytic enzymes. The important role of purified LiP in color reduction of several azo-, triphenyl methane, heterocyclic, and polymeric dyes has been clearly demonstrated [1, 11, 21]. In this experiment, none of LiP was detected, therefore, high %decolorization of RB5 solution was thought to be involved in other mechanisms. One approach was attributed to the sorption of the dye on the fungal mycelium [3, 8]. Thus, it could be assumed that the mechanism of synthetic dye degradation by Datronia sp. KAPI0039 was shared by the extracellular enzymes activity and biosorption on fungal cells. However, the relative contributions of ligninolytic enzymes to the decolorization of dyes might be different for each fungal strain and each dye [22].


### 3.2.2. The Effect of Fungal Inoculum Size

The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization, and Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 was investigated (Figures 3 and 4). The inoculum sizes used in this study were varied at 1, 2, and 3% (w/v). This strain decolorized both dyes tested, but RBBR decolorization was faster and started earlier than that of RB5. Over ninety percent of RBBR was decolorized as early as in the first 24 hours of cultivation, but only 20% of RB5 was removed within the same period and continuously removed to maximum 90% after 100 hours of cultivation. The fungal inoculum size was found to slightly affect the decolorization of both dyes. The production of Lac and MnP was also studied under the same conditions as in the decolorization experiments. The high activity of Lac was detected whereas low amount of MnP was detected. The results showed that Lac activity was affected partially by the fungal inoculum size as observed by the similar Lac activity in every fungal inoculum size used in the study. Usually, lower inoculum size requires longer time for the cells to multiply to sufficient number to utilize the substrate and produce enzyme. An increase in the inoculum size would ensure a rapid proliferation and biomass synthesis. However, after a certain limit, enzyme production could decrease because of depletion of nutrients due to the enhanced biomass, which would result in a decrease in metabolic activity [23]. Furthermore, the results demonstrated direct relationship between Lac activity and dye decolorization as shown by the highest Lac activity and dye decolorization at the same period. The study of Baldrian and Šnajdr [3] was also consistent showing that RBBR was more efficiently degraded than RB5 by the litter-decomposing fungi, as well as that Lac was the major ligninolytic enzyme found in that condition.Figure 3
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 4
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


### 3.2.3. The Effect of Reaction pH

The effect of pH on dye decolorization was investigated at 4 pH (3, 5, 7, and 9). The results were shown in Figures5 and 6. Although the decolorization of individual dye (RBBR and RB5) was affected by pH to different extent, a better decolorization was observed for RBBR. The results also indicated that a better decolorization of RBBR was achieved under the neutral to basic conditions whereas RB5 was decolorized better under an acidic condition. This was consistent with the study by Young and Yu [11] that the azo-based dye was more effectively degraded by white-rot fungi under an acidic condition. During the decolorization experiment, the production of Lac and MnP by the fungus was determined as a function of time (Figures 5 and 6). Of the two enzymes studied, Lac activity was found in larger amount in the crude extract of both RBBR and RB5. The pH clearly affected Lac production (Figure 5). This is consistent with the research by Tavares et al. [24] that low pH values of the culture medium are not favorable for Lac production by Trametes versicolor. There could be 2 explanations for this: (1) either the metabolism of Lac synthesis is repressed at low pH values; or (2) conformational changes in the enzyme’s three-dimensional structure are promoted by low pH, affecting the active site, not allowing biocatalytic reactions. Several studies also show that Lac stability was very dependent on pH and temperature. Nyanhongo et al. [25] reported that Lac stability from T. modestawas significantly affected by pH <4.5. Another study by Jönsson et al. [26] showed that pH less than 4 was detrimental for Lac production and suggested that a possible explanation for this was Lac’s susceptibility to acidic proteases. Furthermore, the results indicated the relationship between time course of Lac production and the ability of Datronia sp. KAPI0039 to decolorize the two dyes.Figure 5
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 6
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


## 3.2.1. The Effect of Reactive Dyes Concentrations

The effects of reactive RBBR and RB5 concentrations on %decolorization, Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 were experimented. Dye solutions were varied at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/L concentrations. The results indicated a dramatic decrease (>90%) in color reduction of both RBBR and RB5 solutions at every concentration (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). The results (99.6% decolorization in 72 hours) also indicated the rate and extent of decolorization of RBBR compared favourably with those by other white-rot fungi such as P. chrysosporium (83% decolorization in 264 hours; [16]), Bjerkandera sp. BOS55 (65% decolorization in 480 hours; [16]), and Trametes trogii (85% decolorization in 72 hours; Mechichi et al., 2006 [17]). Furthermore, the result demonstrated that dye concentration did affect the time period to reach maximum decolorization for both RBBR and RB5 solutions. A general tendency was that more concentrated dye solution caused slower rate and longer time period for decolorization [11]. For example, Datronia sp. KAPI0039 reached maximum 99.86% color reduction from 200 mg L-1 RBBR solution within only 72 hours of treatment, whereas maximum 98.87% decolorization from 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR solution was achieved after 168 hours of treatment (Figure 1). This was consistent with the study by Aksu et al. (2007) [18] that the white-rot T. versicolor took 8 days to reach maximum 95% color reduction from 58.4 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution, whereas maximum 77% color reduction from 358.6 mg L-1 RB5 starting solution was achieved within 14 days. Interestingly, RBBR seemed to be degraded much better than RB5 as observed by higher %decolorization (Figures 1 and 2). Revankar and Lele [19] reported azo dyes were recalcitrant to decolorization and could be decolorized to a limited extent. However, Eichlerová et al. [20] stated that the difference between decolorization of structurally different dyes was not easy to explain. This was because that this process required the destruction of the chromophore, thus, the slow decolorization rate of some dyes could be attributed to the complexity of their chromophores, but the overall complexity alone was not an indicator of the difficulty of decolorization of a particular dye.Figure 1
The effect of reactive RBBR dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 2
The effect of reactive RB5 dye concentrations on %decolorization and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.During the course of dye decolorization, maximum Lac activities at 759.81 UL-1 and 178.57 UL-1 were detected in the fungal-treated RBBR and RB5 solutions (Figures 1 and 2, respectively). A little MnP and none of LiP activities (data not shown) was detected. The results also indicated the corresponding increase in Lac activity with an increased %decolorization, with the enzyme activity peaking at the time of maximum color reduction (16-h cultivation). Thus, only Lac seemed to be correlated with the dye decolorization as also supported by Rodríguez study [1]. Moreover, the highest Lac activity and %decolorization were obtained when 1,000 mg L-1 RBBR and RB5 solutions were applied. Thus, the higher dye concentration induced more Lac production and then resulting in more decolorization [2, 3]. This could also imply that decolorization of reactive dyes partially depended on Lac activity in the liquid cultures, but not on MnP and LiP activities. In addition, Lac activity in the liquid culture with RBBR was also much higher than that with RB5 (Figures 1 and 2) even though the similar %decolorization was observed. This could be associated with the specificity of ligninolytic enzymes on different dye structures [1], thus, different dye structures led to the induction of different ligninolytic enzymes. The important role of purified LiP in color reduction of several azo-, triphenyl methane, heterocyclic, and polymeric dyes has been clearly demonstrated [1, 11, 21]. In this experiment, none of LiP was detected, therefore, high %decolorization of RB5 solution was thought to be involved in other mechanisms. One approach was attributed to the sorption of the dye on the fungal mycelium [3, 8]. Thus, it could be assumed that the mechanism of synthetic dye degradation by Datronia sp. KAPI0039 was shared by the extracellular enzymes activity and biosorption on fungal cells. However, the relative contributions of ligninolytic enzymes to the decolorization of dyes might be different for each fungal strain and each dye [22].


## 3.2.2. The Effect of Fungal Inoculum Size

The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization, and Lac and MnP activities byDatronia sp. KAPI0039 was investigated (Figures 3 and 4). The inoculum sizes used in this study were varied at 1, 2, and 3% (w/v). This strain decolorized both dyes tested, but RBBR decolorization was faster and started earlier than that of RB5. Over ninety percent of RBBR was decolorized as early as in the first 24 hours of cultivation, but only 20% of RB5 was removed within the same period and continuously removed to maximum 90% after 100 hours of cultivation. The fungal inoculum size was found to slightly affect the decolorization of both dyes. The production of Lac and MnP was also studied under the same conditions as in the decolorization experiments. The high activity of Lac was detected whereas low amount of MnP was detected. The results showed that Lac activity was affected partially by the fungal inoculum size as observed by the similar Lac activity in every fungal inoculum size used in the study. Usually, lower inoculum size requires longer time for the cells to multiply to sufficient number to utilize the substrate and produce enzyme. An increase in the inoculum size would ensure a rapid proliferation and biomass synthesis. However, after a certain limit, enzyme production could decrease because of depletion of nutrients due to the enhanced biomass, which would result in a decrease in metabolic activity [23]. Furthermore, the results demonstrated direct relationship between Lac activity and dye decolorization as shown by the highest Lac activity and dye decolorization at the same period. The study of Baldrian and Šnajdr [3] was also consistent showing that RBBR was more efficiently degraded than RB5 by the litter-decomposing fungi, as well as that Lac was the major ligninolytic enzyme found in that condition.Figure 3
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 4
The effect of fungal inoculum size on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


## 3.2.3. The Effect of Reaction pH

The effect of pH on dye decolorization was investigated at 4 pH (3, 5, 7, and 9). The results were shown in Figures5 and 6. Although the decolorization of individual dye (RBBR and RB5) was affected by pH to different extent, a better decolorization was observed for RBBR. The results also indicated that a better decolorization of RBBR was achieved under the neutral to basic conditions whereas RB5 was decolorized better under an acidic condition. This was consistent with the study by Young and Yu [11] that the azo-based dye was more effectively degraded by white-rot fungi under an acidic condition. During the decolorization experiment, the production of Lac and MnP by the fungus was determined as a function of time (Figures 5 and 6). Of the two enzymes studied, Lac activity was found in larger amount in the crude extract of both RBBR and RB5. The pH clearly affected Lac production (Figure 5). This is consistent with the research by Tavares et al. [24] that low pH values of the culture medium are not favorable for Lac production by Trametes versicolor. There could be 2 explanations for this: (1) either the metabolism of Lac synthesis is repressed at low pH values; or (2) conformational changes in the enzyme’s three-dimensional structure are promoted by low pH, affecting the active site, not allowing biocatalytic reactions. Several studies also show that Lac stability was very dependent on pH and temperature. Nyanhongo et al. [25] reported that Lac stability from T. modestawas significantly affected by pH <4.5. Another study by Jönsson et al. [26] showed that pH less than 4 was detrimental for Lac production and suggested that a possible explanation for this was Lac’s susceptibility to acidic proteases. Furthermore, the results indicated the relationship between time course of Lac production and the ability of Datronia sp. KAPI0039 to decolorize the two dyes.Figure 5
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RBBR dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.Figure 6
The effect of pH on %decolorization of RB5 dye solution and Lac activity after cultivation withDatronia sp. KAPI0039; close symbol = %decolorization; open symbol = Laccase activity.


## 4. Conclusion

Recently, there has been a growing interest in studying the lignin-degrading enzymes with the expectation to find more effective systems for the application in various biotechnological approaches. Previous studies demonstrated the presence of ligninolytic enzymes; Lac, MnP, and LiP; in several species of white-rot fungi, especially inP. chrysosporium and T. versicolor, but none has reported those enzymes in Genus Datronia. This is the first evident to report the decolorization capability and the production of ligninolytic enzymes, mainly Lac and MnP, by the Genus Datronia in the reactive dye solution. This study supports the different extent of fungal ability to degrade synthetic dyes of diverse structures. Although high concentration of dyes might have toxic effect on fungi, it was found that even a concentration of 1,000 mg/L of reactive dyes was tolerated by the tested specie. Interestingly, none was reported for the decolorization of such high dye concentrations by any white-rot fungi, except that studied by Eichlerová et al. [20]. This study suggests the possibility to decolorize a high concentration of commercial dyes. This could be a great advance in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater and the method may have a potential application for dye decolorization, especially in textile industry. The results also seem to indicate that Lac is the major ligninolytic enzymes involved in the breakdown of the dye in the solution. The crude extract from Datronia sp. KAPI0039 cultures showed the highest Lac activity and %decolorization. Thus, Lac from Datronia sp. KAPI0039 will be purified and their kinetics constants determined with ABTS, RBBR, and RB5 as substrates in order to elucidate the specificity of Lac on these reactive dye structures. Moreover, the performance of Lac on decolorization reaction should be studied in vitro.



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*Source: 162504-2010-07-26.xml*