Bioremediation of phenolic pollutant bisphenol A using optimized reverse micelles system of Trametes versicolor laccase in non-aqueous environment.

In recent times, there is increased public interest and indeed strong movement against the use of Bisphenol A (4,4'-(propane-2,2,-diphenol)) due to its endocrine disrupting properties. In the present study, biotransformation of Bisphenol A (BPA) was accomplished using Trametes versicolor laccase (E.C. 1.10.3.2) enzyme. The enzyme was entrapped in reverse micelles comprising of bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane) for non-aqueous catalysis considering hydrophobicity of BPA. Screening of various parameters that may affect micellar system was carried out using Plackett-Burman experimental design and central composite design (Design Expert 11). According to Design Expert actual concentration of different variables was 0.55, 150 (Wo 30), 0.0035 mM and 175 µg/ml for Mg+2ions, Hydration ratio (Wo), 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (2,6 DMP, substrate) and laccase, respectively, at 40 °C and pH 4.5. Under these conditions laccase activity in reverse micelles was increased two folds as compared to unoptimized micellar system. It was evident that the reverse micelles diameter was linearly proportionated to the amount of laccase enzyme incorporated. BPA bioremediation mediated by laccase in non-aqueous environment was found to be 84% in 8 h of treatment. Biotransformation of BPA was monitored using GC-MS. BPA degraded products, such as BPA-O-catechol and 4,4 (Ethane 2-oxy 2-ol) diphenol were identified indicating transformation by oxidation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02842-4. © King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology 2021.