Laccases – enzymes with an unlimited potential

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are among the few enzymes, the history of which dates back to the 19th century. These oxidoreductases are present in almost all known fungi, some species of higher plants and insects. Moreover, in recent years, these enzymes have also been found in some bacterial organisms. Due to their significant properties and structure of the catalytic centre, laccases have been classified as the multicopper oxidases (MCOs). These enzymes are able to catalyse the oxidation of phenolic and non-phenolic compounds, with the aid of small molecules referred to as mediators. Thanks to their diverse nature, laccases have gained attention of both scientists and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Their significance is reflected in countless scientific and industrial applications, wherein laccases have become inseparable from chemical syntheses, the food industry, textile industry, biosensor design and the environmental protection. This paper gathers the most important information and the latest scientific discoveries relating to this desirable biocatalyst

Antarctic Yeasts as a Source of Enzymes for Biotechnological Applications

Psychrophilic and psychrotrophic yeasts able to live in extremely cold environments like Antarctica produce cold-active enzymes as part of their metabolic adaptation mechanisms. Some of these enzymes could be used for industrial and biotechnological applications requiring high activity at mild/cold temperatures or a fast inactivation by heat. In this chapter, the basic principles for screening of cold-active enzymes and their potential industrial applications (textiles, food and dairy products, brewing and wine industry, laundry, etc) are presented. When it comes to the search of yeasts with cold-enzymes production, Antarctica is one of the most promised environments to work in. Cold-active hydrolytic enzymes from Antarctic yeasts such as lipases, proteases, cellulases and amylases are mentioned in this chapter. Also pectinolytic, lignocellulolytic and oil-related (lipase and esterase) enzymes produced by these microorganisms are presented, focusing on yeasts isolation, enzymes producers screening, and purification and characterization of specific col-active enzymes. The near future should find us discussing the regulation about the use of Antarctic yeast as a source of cold enzymes and, once this point be clarified and approved by the international forums on Antarctic activities regulation, the development and scaling up of these biological products may be addressed.Fil: Martorell, María Martha. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Ruberto, Lucas Adolfo Mauro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentina. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Castellanos de Figueroa, Lucia Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Mac Cormack, Walter Patricio. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; Argentina. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentin