Laccase as a useful biotechnological tool in the synthesis of biologically active compounds

Abstract

The synthesis of organic compounds using oxidoreductive enzymes as biocatalysts is increasingly being considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to classical chemical synthesis. An example of such an enzyme, which exhibits low substrate specificity and operates under mild conditions of pH, pressure and temperature, is laccase, a versatile phenolic oxidase that uses oxygen as a natural reaction co-substrate. It can oxidise both phenolic derivatives and aromatic amines, which in homo- or heteromolecular reactions are coupled to form new organic compounds with unique properties and applications, also as biologically active molecules. Among the many bioactive substances obtained by biocatalysis, substances with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities can be distinguished. Especially the latter are of great value in the context of the search for new therapeutic compounds that can overcome the phenomenon of bacterial drug resistance.