Hybrid Double Enzyme Biocatalyst for Effective Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly double enzyme catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in water, addressing key environmental concerns. The hybrid tandem system of xanthine oxidase (XO) with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is designed for sustainable water treatment by using a natural and eco-friendly silicate substrate, perlite, as a support for the enzyme cascade reaction. The catalytic process was optimized for environmental applications. XO-generated hydrogen peroxide through the oxidation of hypoxanthine, which then activated HRP to break down a variety of harmful pollutants, including industrial dyes, pharmaceuticals, and phenolic compounds. The system demonstrated high pollutant removal efficiency, reaching up to 100% in some cases, while maintaining catalytic stability across a range of temperatures and pH values. Importantly, the biocatalytic system addressed secondary pollution─a common issue in conventional treatments. Thus, uric acid, a potential byproduct of the XO catalytic action, was degraded by HRP, preventing the accumulation of harmful byproducts in purified water. This research highlights the potential of the tandem XO-HRP enzyme cascade as a green, efficient, and sustainable solution for water purification, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional methods that often contribute to further contamination.