Laccase enzyme as a sustainable tool for improving environmental health

Environmental imbalances caused by pollution and climate change has led to extreme erratic change in weather patterns and widespread ecosystem distress. In order to mitigate these imbalances, numerous sustainable methods have been adopted, among which microbial remediation strategy mediated through microbial enzymes holds significant promise. One such class of enzyme- laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is known multicopper oxidase enzymes, naturally reported from bacteria, fungi, insects, plants can catalyze the oxidation of a wide range of phenolic and non-phenolic substrates by reducing molecular oxygen to water which imparts antioxidant properties to the enzyme, making it valuable in combating oxidative stress-a condition increasingly prevalent due to climate-induced environmental distress. The enzyme is also known for its multifarious applications of laccase, including heavy metal degradation and detoxification, decolorization of dyes, degradation of plastics, and optimization of food stability. The present review focuses on emphasising the role of laccase in improving the environmental health by balancing the oxidative status and remediation the pollutants.