Laccase

Laccases are copper-containing oxidase enzymes that are found in many plants, fungi and microorganisms. The copper can be bound in several sites; Type 1, Type 2, and/or Type 3. When types 2 and 3 are bound together, the enzyme is called a trinuclear cluster. Laccases are enzymatically active on phenols and similar molecules, and perform a one-electron oxidation. Laccases can be polymeric, and the enzymatically active form can be a dimer or trimer.

The easiest way to detect activity in Laccases is with a spectrophotometer. Substrates that are commonly used with this method are ABTS, syringaldazine, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, and dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine. Also, activity can be monitored with an oxygen sensor as the oxidation of the substrate is paired with the reduction of oxygen to water.

Laccases can also be used as the cathode in an enzyme catalyzed fuel cell. They can be paired with an electron mediator to facilitate electron transfer to a solid electrode wire.

Laccase is one of the few oxidoreductases commercialized as industrial catalysts. The enzyme can be used for textile dyeing/finishing, wine cork making, and many other industrial, environmental, diagnostic, and synthetic uses (see, e.g., Feng Xu, (2005) Applications of oxidoreductases: Recent progress, Industrial Biotechnology 1, 38-50).