Indigo carmine decolorization and production of Laccase by filamentous fungi

Abstract

Textile industries have largely contributed to environmental contamination due to the large production of wastes, including dyes, which are usually mutagenic and carcinogenic. The high stability and character of the dyes commonly recalcitrant does not favor the conventional techniques of degradation, the microorganisms are enough alternative defendant. Fungal laccases are receiving much attention because of several applications, one is the bleaching of dyes. This study aimed to select fungi with potential for decolourisation of indigo carmine as well as for laccase production, to optimize these processes. Thirtyseven fungi isolated from soil of Rio Beberibe-Recife-PE, after previous selection of discoloration and enzyme production were subjected to a fractional factorial design (2^6-3) with two levels and three central points generating 11 races. The results of this study selected 56.75% fungi as producers of polyphenoloxidase, 14 of which showed good producer of laccase. The fungus FDG 36, later identified as
Penicillium sp, stood the test of discoloration, and the colorless dye after 120h. There was no significant influence of the variables in the optimization process, suggesting the study of new variables to Penicillium sp.