Evaluation of dyes decolourisation by the crude enzyme from Pleurotus sajor-caju grown on sorghum seed media.

The extracellular enzymes from Pleurotus sajor-caju were studied for lignin degrading enzyme patterns and dye decolourisation potential. Laccases are major ligninolytic enzymes excreted by the fungus. The results from a native-PAGE revealed that there were at least two isoenzymes. The crude enzyme had a pH and a temperature optimum at 6.0 and 40 degrees C, respectively when 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was used as substrate. The pH and thermal stability were at 5.0 and 30 degrees C. The pH optima for decolourisation of Indigo Carmine and Methyl Red were at 5.0 and 6.0, respectively. Indigo Carmine could be decolorized efficiently above 90% within 180 min, whereas Methyl Red could be decolorized only 3.5%. High efficiency decolourisation of Indigo Carmine makes this fungus to be a promise choice in biological treatment of waste water containing Indigo Carmine.