Optimization of laccase-alginate-chitosan-based matrix toward 17 α-ethinylestradiol removal

Laccase extract (LE) from Pycnoporus sanguineus was immobilized on calcium and copper alginate-chitosan beads and applied for the removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Effects of immobilization conditions such as: sodium alginate (SA) concentration; LE/SA ratio and chitosan/ion (Ca⁺² or Cu⁺²) ratio on the immobilization yield were investigated. Immobilized LE on Ca-beads and Cu-beads was then used to degrade an EE2 solution. The optimal conditions for LE immobilization on Ca-beads were: 1.5% (w/v) SA, 1:5 (v/v) LE/SA and 3:7 (v/v) chitosan/ion (Ca⁺²). The optimal conditions for immobilization on Cu-beads were 2.0% (w/v) SA, 0.5:5 (v/v) LE/SA and 3:7 (v/v) chitosan/ion (Cu⁺²). The best result was obtained for immobilized LE on Ca-beads in buffer-absent medium. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme was reused in five cycles for EE2 removal. The formation of EE2 dimers by LE treatment has been demonstrated by electrospray ionization coupled to time of flight mass spectrometer (ESI-TOF-MS). The results evidenced that immobilized LE in alginate-chitosan-divalent cation bead is an effective alternative for EE2 removal.