Enhancing Laccase Enzyme Stability: Photoprotection With a Patagonian Montmorillonite Clay

Laccase exhibits low stability under UV solar radiation, which can compromise its catalytic activity in bioremediation processes. The present study shows, for the first time, an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable strategy for enhancing enzyme photostability using a naturally occurring Patagonian montmorillonite clay, without the need for surface functionalization or chemical modification. Photostability was assessed spectroscopically by comparing the enzymatic activity of free and immobilized laccase before and after UVB irradiation. Immobilization significantly improved enzyme photoprotection, retaining 95% of its initial activity after irradiation contrast to only 40% for the free enzyme. The clay´s protective effect is attributed primarily to its inherent light-scattering capacity and absorbing radiation property. These results underscore the potential of Patagonian montmorillonite as a simple, scalable, reusable, and ecofriendly platform for enzyme-based bioremediation technologies. This approach opens new avenues for the practical application of microbial enzymes in open environments where photoinactivation could limit their use. Fil: Reynoso, Agustina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; Argentina Fil: Reynoso, Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina