Biotransformation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene by a cocktail of native laccases from Pycnoporus sanguineus CS43 under oxygenic and non-oxygenic atmospheres.

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a highly toxic nitroaromatic explosive known for its environmental consequences, contaminating soil and groundwater throughout its life cycle, from production to disposal. Therefore, the urgency of developing innovative and ecological strategies to remedy the affected areas is recognized. This study reports, for the first time, the enzymatic biotransformation of TNT by a cocktail of native laccases from Pycnoporus sanguineus CS43. The laccases displayed efficient TNT conversion under both oxygenic and non-oxygenic conditions, achieving biotransformation rates of 80% and 87% within 48 h at a temperature of 60 °C and pH 7. Preliminary kinetic constants were calculated with the laccase cocktail, being a Vmax of 1.133 µM min-1 and 0.2984 µM min-1, and the Km values were 1586 µM and 458 µM, in an oxygenic and non-oxygenic atmosphere, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) confirmed the formation of amino dinitrotoluene isomers and hydroxylamine isomers as biotransformation products. In summary, this study suggests the potential application of laccases for the direct biotransformation of recalcitrant compounds like TNT, offering an environmentally friendly approach to address contamination issues.

Metal-organic frameworks for enzyme immobilization and nanozymes: A laccase-focused review.

Laccases are natural catalysts with remarkable catalytic activity. However, their application is limited by their lack of stability. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising alternative for enzyme immobilization. Enzymes can be immobilized in MOFs via two approaches: postsynthetic immobilization and in situ immobilization. In postsynthetic immobilization, an enzyme is embedded after MOF formation by covalent interactions or adsorption. In contrast, in in situ immobilization, a MOF is formed in the presence of an enzyme. Additionally, MOFs have exhibited intrinsic enzyme-like activity. These materials, known as nanozymes when they have the ability to replace enzymes in certain catalytic processes, have multiple key advantages, such as low cost, easy preparation, and large surface areas. This review presents a general overview of the most recent advances in both enzyme@MOF biocatalysts and MOF-based nanozymes in different applications, with a focus on laccase, which is one of the most widely investigated enzymes with excellent industrial potential.

Microscopical Evaluation of the Effects of High-Pressure Processing on Milk Casein Micelles.

The effect of different high-pressure processing (HPP) treatments on casein micelles was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a particle size distribution analysis. Raw whole and skim milk samples were subjected to HPP treatments at 400, 500 and 600 MPa for Come-Up Times (CUT) up to 15 min at ambient temperature. Three different phenomena were observed in the casein micelles: fragmentation, alterations to shape and agglomeration. The particle size distribution analysis determined that, as pressure and time treatment increased, the three phenomena intensified. First, the size of the casein micelles began to decrease as their fragmentation occurred. Subsequently, the casein micelles lost roundness, and their shape deformed. Finally, in the most intense treatments (higher pressures and/or longer times), the micelles fragments began to agglomerate, which resulted in an increase in their average diameter. Homogenization and defatting had no significant effect on the casein micelles; however, the presence of fat in whole milk samples was bioprotective, as the effects of the three phenomena appeared faster in treated skim milk samples. Through this study, it was concluded that the size and structure of casein micelles are greatly altered during high-pressure treatment. These results provide information that broadens the understanding of the changes induced on casein micelles by high-pressure treatments at room temperature.

Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Pulsed Electric Fields Processes on Microbial Safety and Quality of Black/Red Raspberry Juice.

Black and red raspberries are fruits with a high phenolic and vitamin C content but are highly susceptible to deterioration. The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP 400−600 MPa/CUT-10 min) and pulsed electric fields (PEF, frequency 100−500 Hz, pulse number 100, electric field strength from 11.3 to 23.3 kV/cm, and specific energy from 19.7 to 168.4 kJ/L) processes on black/red raspberry juice was studied. The effect on the inactivation of microorganisms and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, total soluble solids (°Brix), and water activity (aw)), vitamin C and phenolic compounds content were also determined. Results reveal that all HHP-treatments produced the highest (p < 0.05) log-reduction of molds (log 1.85 to 3.72), and yeast (log 3.19), in comparison with PEF-treatments. Increments in pH, acidity, and TSS values attributed to compounds' decompartmentalization were found. PME activity was partially inactivated by HHP-treatment at 600 MPa/10 min (22% of inactivation) and PEF-treatment at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L (19% of inactivation). Increment in vitamin C and TPC was also observed. The highest increment in TPC (79% of increment) and vitamin C (77% of increment) was observed with PEF at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L. The putative effect of HHP and PEF on microbial safety, enzyme inactivation, and phytochemical retention is also discussed in detail. In conclusion, HHP and PEF improve phytochemical compounds' content, microbial safety, and quality of black/red raspberry juice.

Evaluation of three methods for betanin quantification in fruits from cacti.

In México, production of cacti fruits has increased. These fruits have high concentration of betalains (pigments), and market has increased interest in food with natural ingredients. In the near future, a sustainable method for betanin quantification in cacti fruits for rural communities will be necessary. Betanin in pulp of garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizan), chico fruit (Pachycereus weber), jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla) and pitaya de mayo (Stenocereus pruinosus) were quantified using three different analytical methods. The techniques were of Spectrophotometry UV-Vis (SCC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Spectrophotometry technique using Molar Extinction Coefficient (SEC). The accuracy and intermediate precision were evaluated in SEC, SCC, and HPLC with the four cacti´s fruit. The means betanin concentration in the pulps were 0.68±0.05 (mg/g dry weight) garambullo, 1.28±0.06 (mg/g dry weight) chico fruit, 1.84±0.34 jiotilla and 2.0±0.25 pitaya de mayo (mg/g dry weight). The concentration of betanin in garambullo pulp measured by the three methods did not differ significantly (P >0.05). In this case, SEC method represents the best option to reduce costs, time and solvents in this way this method is aligned with green chemistry. In the three methods, coefficient of variation between measurements obtained are below 15%.•Robust method to quantify betanin and evaluate intermediate precision•Validation parameters such as LOD, LOQ, accuracy, intermediate precision, and HorRat were considered•The developed method enriches the valorization of underutilized national agricultural sources of Mexico.

Enzyme (Single and Multiple) and Nanozyme Biosensors: Recent Developments and Their Novel Applications in the Water-Food-Health Nexus.

The use of sensors in critical areas for human development such as water, food, and health has increased in recent decades. When the sensor uses biological recognition, it is known as a biosensor. Nowadays, the development of biosensors has been increased due to the need for reliable, fast, and sensitive techniques for the detection of multiple analytes. In recent years, with the advancement in nanotechnology within biocatalysis, enzyme-based biosensors have been emerging as reliable, sensitive, and selectively tools. A wide variety of enzyme biosensors has been developed by detecting multiple analytes. In this way, together with technological advances in areas such as biotechnology and materials sciences, different modalities of biosensors have been developed, such as bi-enzymatic biosensors and nanozyme biosensors. Furthermore, the use of more than one enzyme within the same detection system leads to bi-enzymatic biosensors or multi-enzyme sensors. The development and synthesis of new materials with enzyme-like properties have been growing, giving rise to nanozymes, considered a promising tool in the biosensor field due to their multiple advantages. In this review, general views and a comparison describing the advantages and disadvantages of each enzyme-based biosensor modality, their possible trends and the principal reported applications will be presented.

Validation of aqueous two-phase extraction method.

Nowadays, consumer interest in food with natural ingredients has increased. This need has led to the research of new sources and green extraction methods. Betalains are compounds responsible for giving color to cacti fruits. The aim is to obtain low-sugar betacyanins extracts from jiotilla Escontria chiotilla using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) to color food with the extract. The effect of principal parameters of ATPS (Ethyl alcohol- KH2PO4/K2HPO4) as tie-line length (TL;40,50 and 70), phase volume ratios (Vr; 1 and 3) on the partitioning of betacyanins, betaxanthins, total sugars, reducing sugars, and antioxidant activity in the extract was evaluated. The yields were determined from the top and bottom phases of the aforementioned parameters. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA, α = 0.05) showed that TLL and Vr were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The lowest bottom sugar yield (25.78 ± 3.14%) corresponds to TLL = 40, Vr = 3. Under these conditions, the corresponding value for betacyanins yield is 62.98±4.52%. For the first time, the ATPS was used to extract betacyanins from cactus fruit.•Escontria chiotilla, as a biological source, contained a high percent of betalains•Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) was statistically optimized•The developed method enriches the valorization of environmentally related plants waste materials.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Induced Changes in the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Milk and Dairy Products: A Review.

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal technology used for food preservation capable of generating pasteurized milk products. There is much information regarding the inactivation of microorganisms in milk by HPP, and it has been suggested that 600 MPa for 5 min is adequate to reduce the number of log cycles by 5-7, resulting in safe products comparable to traditionally pasteurized ones. However, there are many implications regarding physicochemical and functional properties. This review explores the potential of HPP to preserve milk, focusing on the changes in milk components such as lipids, casein, whey proteins, and minerals, and the impact on their functional and physicochemical properties, including pH, color, turbidity, emulsion stability, rheological behavior, and sensory properties. Additionally, the effects of these changes on the elaboration of dairy products such as cheese, cream, and buttermilk are explored.

Submerged cultivation, characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Schizophyllum radiatum.

Production of polysaccharides by white-rot-fungi in submerged cultivation has several advantages due to process control. This work deals with the submerged cultivation, extraction and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from a wild strain of Schizophyllum radiatum isolated from a tropical forest of Colombia. The mushroom was cultivated in laboratory conditions, and classified by classical and molecular taxonomy. Submerged cultivation was performed in a bioreactor of 5 L using a ligninolytic residue as substrate. The fermentation conditions were 30 ± 1 °C, pH 4.5, 300 rpm and 1.5 vvm of air for 4 days. The yields were 16.8 g/L (w/v) of biomass, and after extraction, 0.6 g/L of water-soluble exopolysaccharide (SEPS) and 2.01 % (w/w) of water-soluble intrapolysaccharide (SIPS) were obtained. In each extract total carbohydrate, glucans and protein contents were determined. Also, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high performance liquid chromatography with refraction index detection (HPLC-RI), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis were performed. Results indicated that SEPS and SIPS are heteropolysaccharides with amorphous structure and high molecular weights. Antitumor and immunostimulant activity was evaluated in different cancer cell lines. The results suggest these polysaccharides have direct and indirect antitumor activity activating immune cells such as macrophages. These findings enhance our knowledge about new sources of fungal metabolites that serve as adjuvant, cheaper and less harmful alternatives to cancer treatment.

Exploring current tendencies in techniques and materials for immobilization of laccases - A review.

Nanotechnology has transformed the science behind many biotechnological sectors, and applied bio-catalysis is not the exception. In 2017, the enzyme industry was valued at more than 7 billion USD and projected to 10.5 billion by 2024. The laccase enzyme is an oxidoreductase capable of oxidizing phenolic and non-phenolic compounds that have been considered an essential tool in the fields currently known as white biotechnology and green chemistry. Laccase is one of the most robust biocatalysts due to its wide applications in different environmental processes such as detecting and treating chemical pollutants and dyes and pharmaceutical removal. However, these biocatalytic processes are usually limited by the lack of stability of the enzyme, the half-life time, and the application feasibility at an industrial scale. Physical or chemical approaches have performed different laccase's immobilization methods to improve its catalytic properties and reuse. Emerging technologies have been proven to reduce the manufacturing process cost and increase application feasibility while looking for ecological and economical materials that can be used as support. Therefore, this review discusses the trends of enzyme immobilization recently studied, analyzing biomaterials and agro-industrial waste used for that intention, their advantages, and disadvantages. Finally, the work also highlights the performance obtained with these materials and current challenges and potential alternatives.

Underutilized Mexican Plants: Screening of Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of Mexican Cactus Fruit Juices.

Cacti fruits are known to possess antioxidant and antiproliferative activities among other health benefits. The following paper evaluated the antioxidant capacity and bioactivity of five clarified juices from different cacti fruits (Stenocereus spp., Opuntia spp. and M. geomettizans) on four cancer cell lines as well as one normal cell line. Their antioxidant compositions were measured by three different protocols. Their phenolic compositions were quantified through high performance liquid chromatography and the percentages of cell proliferation of fibroblasts as well as breast, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancer cell lines were evaluated though in vitro assays. The results were further processed by principal component analysis. The clarified juice from M. geomettizans fruit showed the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds and induced cell death in liver and colorectal cancer cells lines as well as fibroblasts. The clarified juice extracted from yellow Opuntia ficus-indica fruit displayed antioxidant activity as well as a selective cytotoxic effect on a liver cancer cell line with no toxic effect on fibroblasts. In conclusion, the work supplies evidence on the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities that cacti juices possess, presenting potential as cancer cell proliferation preventing agents.

Functional Attributes and Anticancer Potentialities of Chico (Pachycereus Weberi) and Jiotilla (Escontria Chiotilla) Fruits Extract.

Mexico has a great diversity of cacti, however, many of their fruits have not been studied in greater depth. Several bioactive compounds available in cacti juices extract have demonstrated nutraceutical properties. Two cactus species are interesting for their biologically active pigments, which are chico (Pachycereus weberi (J. M. Coult.) Backeb)) and jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla (Weber) Rose)). Hence, the goal of this work was to evaluate the bioactive compounds, i.e., betalains, total phenolic, vitamin C, antioxidant, and mineral content in the extract of the above-mentioned P. weberi and E. chiotilla. Then, clarified extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity (cancer cell lines) potentialities. Based on the obtained results, Chico fruit extract was found to be a good source of vitamin C (27.19 ± 1.95 mg L-Ascorbic acid/100 g fresh sample). Moreover, chico extract resulted in a high concentration of micronutrients, i.e., potassium (517.75 ± 16.78 mg/100 g) and zinc (2.46 ± 0.65 mg/100 g). On the other hand, Jiotilla has a high content of biologically active pigment, i.e., betaxanthins (4.17 ± 0.35 mg/g dry sample). The antioxidant activities of clarified extracts of chico and jiotilla were 80.01 ± 5.10 and 280.88 ± 7.62 mg/100 g fresh sample (DPPH method), respectively. From the cytotoxicity perspective against cancer cell lines, i.e., CaCo-2, MCF-7, HepG2, and PC-3, the clarified extracts of chico showed cytotoxicity (%cell viability) in CaCo-2 (49.7 ± 0.01%) and MCF-7 (45.56 ± 0.05%). A normal fibroblast cell line (NIH/3T3) was used, as a control, for comparison purposes. While jiotilla extract had cytotoxicity against HepG2 (47.31 ± 0.03%) and PC-3 (53.65 ± 0.04%). These results demonstrated that Chico and jiotilla are excellent resources of biologically active constituents with nutraceuticals potentialities.

Biotechnological production, characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polysaccharides from a native strain of Lentinus crinitus.

This work deals with the submerged cultivation, extraction and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Lentinus crinitus. The fungus was isolated from a tropical forest (Antioquia, Colombia), cultivated in laboratory conditions, and classified by classical and molecular taxonomy. Then, it was cultivated in a bioreactor of 5 L using a ligninolytic residue as substrate. The fermentation conditions were 30 ±â€¯1 °C, pH 4.5, 300 rpm and 1.5 vvm for 4 days. The yields of fermentation were 20 g/L of biomass. After extraction, 0.65 g/L of water-soluble exopolysaccharide (LEPS) and 3.3 mg/100 g of water-soluble intrapolysaccharide (LIPS) were obtained. In each extract total carbohydrate, glucans and protein contents were determined. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high performance liquid chromatography with refraction index detection (HPLC-RI) and high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis for characterization were performed. The antitumor activity was evaluated and polysaccharides not only showed anti-proliferative activity in breast cancer cells but also they activate J774 macrophages as evidenced by the increase of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α (inducers of tumor cell apoptosis). Our findings suggest that polysaccharides can activate macrophages to release nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which directly blocks cancer cell growth. These findings enhance our knowledge about new sources of fungal metabolites that serve as coadjuvant, cheap and less harmful alternatives to cancer treatment.

Biotransformation of lignocellulosic biomass into industrially relevant products with the aid of fungi-derived lignocellulolytic enzymes.

Lignocellulosic material has drawn significant attention among the scientific community due to its year-round availability as a renewable resource for industrial consumption. Being an economic substrate alternative, various industries are reevaluating processes to incorporate derived compounds from these materials. Varieties of fungi and bacteria have the ability to depolymerize lignocellulosic biomass by synthesizing degrading enzymes. Owing to catalytic activity stability and high yields of conversion, lignocellulolytic enzymes derived from fungi currently have a high spectrum of industrial applications. Moreover, these materials are cost effective, eco-friendly and nontoxic while having a low energy input. Techno-economic analysis for current enzyme production technologies indicates that synthetic production is not commercially viable. Instead, the economic projection of the use of naturally-produced ligninolytic enzymes is promising. This approach may improve the economic feasibility of the process by lowering substrate expenses and increasing lignocellulosic by-product's added value. The present review will discuss the classification and enzymatic degradation pathways of lignocellulolytic biomass as well as the potential and current industrial applications of the involved fungal enzymes.

Dissimilatory reduction of Fe(III) by a novel Serratia marcescens strain with special insight into the influence of prodigiosin.

A novel pigmented bacterium, initially identified as 11E, was isolated from a site historically known to have various iron-related ores. Phylogenetic analysis of this bacterial strain showed that it belongs to Serratia marcescens. This pigmented S. marcescens 11E cultured individually with glucose, acetate, and glycerol as electron donors along with the soluble electron acceptor iron (Fe) (III) citrate offered a large reduction extent (45.3 %, 31.4 %, and 13.5 %, respectively). On the other hand, when iron oxide (Fe2O3) is used as electron acceptor, the pigmented strain produced a null reduction extent. Surprisingly, the absence of prodigiosin on the bacterial surface (non-pigmented strain) resulted in a large reduction extent of the non-soluble iron form (20-49%). All these extents were comparable and, in some cases, superior to those presented in the literature. Additionally, in the present study, it was found that anthraquinone sulfonate (AQS) stimulated Fe(III) reduction of soluble and non-soluble Fe species only with pigmented S. marcescens. In contrast, in the culture media with the non-pigmented strain, the presence of AQS did not stimulate the Fe(III) reduction. These results suggest that the pigmented phenotype of S. marcescens 11E may perform non-soluble Fe(III) reduction by electron shuttling. In contrast, for the non-pigmented phenotype of this bacterium, non-soluble Fe(III) reduction seems to proceed by direct contact. Our study demonstrates that this bacterium may be used in bioreduction process of heavy metals or as a biocatalyst in bioelectrochemical devices.

Light Intensity and Nitrogen Concentration Impact on the Biomass and Phycoerythrin Production by Porphyridium purpureum.

Several factors have the potential to influence microalgae growth. In the present study, nitrogen concentration and light intensity were evaluated in order to obtain high biomass production and high phycoerythrin accumulation from Porphyridium purpureum. The range of nitrogen concentrations evaluated in the culture medium was 0.075-0.450 g L-1 and light intensities ranged between 30 and 100 µmol m-2 s-1. Surprisingly, low nitrogen concentration and high light intensity resulted in high biomass yield and phycoerythrin accumulation. Thus, the best biomass productivity (0.386 g L-1 d-1) and biomass yield (5.403 g L-1) were achieved with NaNO3 at 0.075 g L-1 and 100 µmol m-2 s-1. In addition, phycoerythrin production was improved to obtain a concentration of 14.66 mg L-1 (2.71 mg g-1 of phycoerythrin over dry weight). The results of the present study indicate that it is possible to significantly improve biomass and pigment production in Porphyridium purpureum by limiting nitrogen concentration and light intensity.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Oregano Essential Oil and Its Fractions Obtained by Vacuum Distillation.

Oregano (Poliomintha longiflora) essential oil (Ooil) is a product of high commercial value and many applications, including chemotherapy. Aiming to achieve the best use of this resource, the present study focuses on the characterization of separated fractions of Ooil by fractional vacuum distillation at low pressure. Four fractions (F1-F4) and undistilled oil (Unoil) were separated from Ooil and analyzed for their chemical composition and biological activities, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry shows differences in the composition among the fractions and Ooil. The amount of monoterpenes oxygenated (MO), sesquiterpenes hydrocarbon (SeH) and monoterpenes hydrocarbon (MH) varied between the fractions in ranges of 1.51-68.08, 3.31-25.12 and 1.91-97.75%, respectively. The major concentrations of MO and SeH were observed in F4 and Unoil. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of MH were found in F1 and F2, while the lowest were in F4 and Unoil. These results were correlated with the biological activity. Free-radical scavenging activity varied among fractions, with F4 and Unoil showing the highest activity. The antimicrobial test showed that F4 and Unoil had the highest activity in almost all cases. The correlation between the variables studied in the different fractions allows the definition of the particular properties for each one of them.

Algal-based removal strategies for hazardous contaminants from the environment - A review.

Owing to the controlled or uncontrolled industrial wastewater disposal, pharmaceutical-based hazardous emerging contaminants (ECs) can be found in the environment all over the world. With ever-increasing socioeconomic aspects and environmental awareness, people are now more concerns about the widespread occurrences of hazardous and persistent contaminants, around the globe. In this context, several studies have already shown that various types of emerging and/or re-emerging contaminants, regardless the source, type and concentration, are of supreme threat to the living system of flora and fauna. Recently, algae-based bioreactors have gained special research interest as a promising way to remove pharmaceuticals-based ECs from the wastewater either partially or completely. This paper covers the progress on the removal of selected pharmaceuticals using bioreactors. In laboratory scale studies, high removal percentages have been reached for most selected pharmaceuticals, but data on full-scale bioreactors is limited. In this paper, two types of bioreactors are discussed, i.e., (1) open pond and (2) bubble column photobioreactor, which are considered sustainable and an effective alternative to remove ECs. In these bioreactors, high removal percentages (>90%) have been found for metoprolol, triclosan, and salicylic acid, moderate (50-90%) for carbamazepine and tramadol and very low (<10%) for trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin by inoculating different microalgae. This technique may open new opportunities for the treatment of wastewater and reduce the environmental pollution that can have adverse effects on the ecosystem and human health. In summary, the present review focuses on the microalgae for wastewater remediation. An effort has also been made to describe the generalities of the photobioreactor.

Emergent contaminants: Endocrine disruptors and their laccase-assisted degradation - A review.

Herein, an effort has been made to highlight the trends of the state-of-the-art of laccase-assisted degradation of emerging contaminants at large and endocrine disruptors in particular. Since first described in the 19th century, laccase has received particular interest for inter- and multidisciplinary investigations due to its uniqueness and remarkable biotechnological applicability. There has always been a paramount concern over the widespread occurrences of various pollutant types, around the globe. Therefore, pollution free processes are gaining ground all over the world. With ever increasing scientific knowledge, socioeconomic awareness, human health-related issues and ecological apprehensions, people are more concerned about the widespread environmental pollutants. In this context, the occurrences of newly identified pollutants so-called "emerging contaminants - ECs" in our main water bodies is of continued and burning concern worldwide. Undoubtedly, various efforts have already been made to tackle this challenging ECs concern though using different approaches including physical and chemical, however, each has considerable limitations. In this review, we present information on how laccase-assisted approach can change this limited tendency of physical and chemical based approaches. A special focus has been given to the laccase-assisted systems including pristine laccase, laccase-mediator catalyzed system and immobilized-laccase catalyzed system that promotes the endocrine disruptors removal. Towards the end, a list of outstanding questions and research gaps are given that can pave the way for future studies.

A novel method for bioethanol production using immobilized yeast cells in calcium-alginate films and hybrid composite pervaporation membrane.

Fermentation of sugar for production of ethanol was carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells immobilized in calcium alginate films. Thin films of calcium alginate casted on a microchannel surface were used instead of the typical spherical bead configuration. Yeast immobilized on alginate films produced a higher ethanol yield than free yeast cells under the same fermentation conditions. Also, a silicalite-1/poly dimethyl siloxane composite pervaporation membrane was synthesized for ethanol separation, and characterized with flux and separation factor. The composite membrane synthesized with a 3-1 ratio of silicalite-1 to poly dimethyl siloxane showed promising results, with a flux of 140.6g/m2h±19.3 and a separation factor of 37.52±3.55. Thus, the performance of both the alginate film with immobilized cells and the customized hybrid membrane suggests they could have an interesting potential application in an integrated reaction-separation device for the production and purification of bioethanol.