Mycoremediation: Decolourization Potential of Fungal Ligninolytic Enzymes

Abstract

Textile industry is the most avid user for dyes. Rapidly growing interest in developing more synthetic commercial dyes from its native to endeavour human needs contributed to aesthetic problems to the environment and public health. Increasing concerns about colours in the effluents lead to worldwide efforts to develop more effective colour removal processes. However, the physical and chemical treatment methods of the discharge effluents are not economically feasible even if some of them are inefficient nowadays. Furthermore, liberating the hazardous product from secondary pollution from these methods acquires valid waste management system. Without proper discharge, azo dyes and associated chemicals may induce mutagenesis leading to toxicity in aquatic plants and animals. Utilization of mycoremediation of dyes as green chemistry technology has yet become a promising approach due to its clear picture of cost, eco-friendly and environmentally benign process as an alternative green solution to replace or supplement for current and future environmental issues. The bioremediation using fungi was reported to be more tolerant than bacteria and more efficient for decolorization as well as degradation of toxic chemicals. However, white-rot fungi are well known for their outstanding ability in bioremediation process. Their ability to produce highly non-specific extracellular enzymes allows them to degrade a wide array of pollutants resembling dyes and its derivatives. White-rot fungi secrete one or more of the three principle ligninolytic enzymes: lignin peroxidase (LiP, E.C. 1.11.1.14), Mn-dependent peroxidase (MnP, E.C. 1.11.1.13) and phenol oxidase (laccase) (Lac, E.C. 1.10.3.2) and other peroxidases. The present review discusses comprehensively the science and technology of biodegradation and fungal bioremediation of synthetic dyes.