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Production, optimization and characterization of esterase isolated from a new endophytic Trichoderma afroharzianum strain AUMC 16,433 and its applications in dye decolorization

Summary

Scientists discovered a new type of fungus that produces an enzyme capable of breaking down synthetic dyes used in the textile industry. Using statistical optimization techniques, they enhanced the enzyme’s production and purified it to study its properties. The enzyme successfully removed various industrial dyes from solutions, with the highest effectiveness on malachite green dye. This discovery offers a promising natural solution to reduce environmental pollution caused by textile dye wastewater.

Background

Synthetic dyes from the textile industry pose significant risks to human health and environmental safety, with over 700,000 metric tons produced annually. Microbial biodegradation using enzymes such as esterases offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical degradation methods. Endophytic fungi represent an underexplored source of hydrolytic enzymes with potential industrial applications.

Objective

This study aimed to identify a novel esterase-producing endophytic fungus, optimize its enzyme production through statistical methods, characterize the purified enzyme’s biochemical properties, and evaluate its efficacy in decolorizing synthetic dyes used in industrial applications.

Results

The purified esterase exhibited a molecular weight of 43 kDa, specific activity of 1372.1 U/mg, and optimal activity at 40°C and pH 8. Kinetic parameters were Vmax = 2.717 U/mL and Km = 3.33 mM. The enzyme successfully decolorized synthetic dyes with highest rates in malachite green (66%), bromothymol blue (65.5%), and tartrazine (65.3%) after 24 hours.

Conclusion

The esterase enzyme isolated from the novel endophytic Trichoderma afroharzianum demonstrates high potential for dye decolorization and offers a sustainable biotechnological approach to address environmental contamination from synthetic dyes. The enzyme’s favorable biochemical properties and thermal stability make it promising for industrial bioremediation applications.
  • Published in:Microbial Cell Factories,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40926235
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