Laccase, a blue multicopper oxidase, has recently received considerable attention because of its usefulness in oxidizing phenolic and non‐phenolic compounds, as well as its suitability for organic synthesis, environmental pollutant treatment, and other biotechnological applications. This review covers recent studies on the structural properties, occurrence, reaction mechnisms, redox mediators of laccases and their application in organic synthesis procedures, such as dimerization, polymerization, oxidation, and amination. We also present a brief discussion on laccase activity in non‐aqueous media. Given that the development of green protocols for the synthesis of pure compounds is one of the main goals of sustainable chemistry, the exploitation of laccases is expected to remain one of the most popular directions in future biocatalysis research.magnified image

Alginate-gelatin mixed gel was applied to immobilized laccase for decolorization of some synthetic dyes including crystal violet. The immobilization procedure was accomplished by adding alginate to a gelatin solution containing the enzyme and the subsequent dropwise addition of the mixture into a stirred CaCl2 solution. The obtained data showed that both immobilized and free enzymes acted optimally at 50°C for removal of crystal violet, but the entrapped enzyme showed higher thermal stability compared to the free enzyme. The immobilized enzyme represented optimum decolorization at pH 8. Reusability of the entrapped laccase was also studied and the results showed that ca. 85% activity was retained after five successive cycles. The best removal condition was applied for decolorization of seven other synthetic dyes. Results showed that the maximum and minimum dye removal was related to amido black 10B and eosin, respectively.