In situ encapsulation of laccase in microfibers by emulsion electrospinning: Preparation, characterization, and application

Laccase from Trametes versicolor was successfully in situ encapsulated into the poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA)/PEO–PPO–PEO (F108) electrospun microfibers by emulsion electrospinning. The porous morphology of electrospun microfibers was observed with scanning electron microscope, and the core–shell structure of microfibers and existence of laccase in microfibers were proved by laser confocal scanning microscopy micrograph. In this study, fibrous porosity and core–shell structure are advantageous to the activity and stability preservation of immobilized laccase. The activity of immobilized laccase could retain over 67% of that of the free enzyme. After 10 successive runs in the enzyme reactor, the immobilized laccase could also maintain 50% of its initial activity. Crystal violet dye was successfully degraded by the PDLLA/F108-laccase electrospun microfiber membranes. It was observed that the immobilized laccase possessed a broadening pH range of catalysis activity compared to free laccase.