PRODUCTION OF LACCASE BY CURVULARIA VERRUCULOSA UDY THROUGH SOLID STATE FERMENTATION

Laccases are multicopper oxidase enzymes with significant industrial and environmental applications, including bioremediation, textile dye degradation, and biosensor development. This study explores the production of laccase by a fungus using solid-state fermentation (SSF), a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable technique. Agro- based substrates such as sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, maize cob, groundnut shell, maize straw, saw dust and conifer litters were evaluated as substrates to optimise laccase yield. Parameters including incubation period, pH, substrate concentration, inoculum size and carbon sources was optimised using Response Surface Methodology. Regression analysis was used to fit the model equation, and estimation of the statistical significance of the model was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Enzyme activity was quantified using 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) as a substrate. The highest laccase activity (729.5µU/L) was observed using sugarcane bagasse supplemented with glucose as its carbon source under optimized conditions (pH 3, 2 inoculum plugs incubated for 10.5 days). Laccase activity was affected by pH, temperature, and cations. All cations used enhanced laccase activities, Mn2+ showed the highest enzyme activity (1056 µU/mL). Optimal laccase activity of C. verruculosa UDY for effect of pH (897.5 µU/mL) were observed at pH 9.5, optimal activity for effect of temperature peaked (943µU/ml) at 60°C incubated for 40 mins. These findings highlight the potential of C. verruculosa UDY in efficient laccase production via Solid State Fermentation, promoting the utilization of agro-wastes and offering a scalable method for industrial enzyme production. This study shows the dye decolorizing potential of laccase enzyme as well as its application in the textile industry