Imobilização de lacase de Aspergillus niger em suporte 3D para tratamento de efluentes industriais

Abstract

The intensification of the global search for sustainable alternatives to address environmental problems and industrial demands has driven the development of more efficient and environmentally safe biocatalysts. Unlike conventional chemical catalysts, enzymes—especially laccases (EC 1.10.3.2, p-diphenol:oxygen oxidoreductase)—stand out for their high selectivity and ability to operate under mild reaction conditions, showing great versatility in the oxidation and degradation of various phenolic compounds. In this context, enzymatic immobilization emerges as an essential tool to enhance the operational stability, shelf life, and catalytic performance of laccases, making their industrial use more viable. This work investigates laccase immobilization using carbon-coupled polylactide (C-PLA), obtained through 3D printing, as a support. This polymer was chosen due to its desirable properties, such as biodegradability, environmental compatibility, and mechanical strength. The experiments conducted showed extremely satisfactory results, highlighting immobilization efficiencies exceeding 80% when the laccase was anchored to the PLA-produced structures. Furthermore, the immobilized biocatalyst demonstrated significant performance in the degradation of dyes used in the textile industry, achieving removal rates above 70%, which reinforces its potential application in environmental remediation processes. Thus, it is concluded that the integration of laccase-based biocatalysis and 3D printing technology constitutes an innovative and sustainable approach aligned with current industrial needs. This combination offers a promising path for enhancing enzymatic efficiency and consolidating new solutions for effluent treatment.