Laccase immobilization onto natural polysaccharides for biosensing and biodegradation

Over the last few years, the focus of researchers have been set on enzyme engineering and enzyme immobili- zation technology using natural polysaccharides as promising and green supporting materials to address the challenges of free enzymes for various applications. Polysaccharides have been extensively implemented as enzyme carriers because they can be easily modified chemically according to the nature of immobilization. This process improves the stability and lifetime of laccase in catalytic reactions. Additionally, the selectivity of the enzymes can be preserved for particular application after immobilization onto polysaccharides. This review paper reveals the significance and potential of natural polysaccharides (including cellulose, chitosan, and algi- nate) and their composites as support materials for the laccases immobilization to expand the modified bio- catalysts for industrial applications. Moreover, the roles of immobilized laccases are discussed from a fundamental point of view to elucidate their catalytic mechanisms as biocatalysts in the detection and degra- dation of environmental contaminants.