Combined cross-linked enzyme aggregates from versatile peroxidase and glucose oxidase: Production, partial characterization and application for the elimination of endocrine disruptors

Versatile peroxidase (VP) from Bjerkandera adusta was insolubilized in the form of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA®s). Of the initially applied activity 67% was recovered as CLEA®s. Co-aggregation of VP with glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger led to an increased activity recovery of 89%. The combined CLEA®s showed higher stability against H2O2 and exerted VP activity upon glucose addition. The elimination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals bisphenol A, nonylphenol, triclosan, 17α-ethinylestradiol and the hormone 17β-estradiol (10 mg L−1 each) and the removal of their estrogenic activity by combined CLEA®s were tested in batch experiments. Within 10 min, the combined CLEA®s were able to remove all the endocrine disruptors except triclosan (residual concentration 74%). The removal of the estrogenic activity was higher than 55% for all compounds, except triclosan. A membrane reactor continuously operated with combined CLEA®s could almost completely remove bisphenol A (10 mg L−1) for 43 h.