Enzymatically triggered delignification through a novel stable laccase: A mixed in-silico /in-vitro exploration of a complex environmental microbiota

Laccases have been broadly applied as a multitasking biocatalyst in various industries, but their applications tend to be limited by easy deactivation, lack of adequate stability, and susceptibility under complex conditions. Identifying stable laccase as a green-biocatalyst is crucial for developing cost-effective biorefining processes. In this direction, we attempted in-silico screening a stable metagenome-derived laccase (PersiLac1) from tannery wastewater in a complex environment. The laccase exhibited high thermostability, retaining 53.19% activity after 180 min at 70 °C, and it was stable in a wide range of pH (4.0–9.0). After 33 days of storage at 50°C, pH 6.0, the enzyme retained 71.65% of its activity. Various metal ions, inhibitors, and organic solvents showed that PersiLac1 has a stable structure. The stable PersiLac1 could successfully remove lignin and phenolic from quinoa husk and rice straw. In the separate hydrolysis and fermentation process (SHF) after 72 h, hydrolysis was obtained 100% and 73.4% for quinoa husk and rice straw, and fermentation by the S. cerevisiae was be produced 41.46 g/L and 27.75g/L ethanol, respectively. Results signified that the novel lignin-degrading enzyme was confirmed to have great potential for industrial application as a green-biocatalyst based on enzymatically triggered to delignification and detoxify lignocellulosic biomass.