Potential of Indonesian cocoa pod husk for production of ligninolytic enzymes laccase and manganese peroxidase from Trametes hirsuta

Lignocellulosic biomass waste is a great potential source of cellulose and cellulose derivative bioproducts. Biomass pretreatment which involves ligninolytic enzymes is an environmentally friendly process that minimizes the use of harsh chemicals and energy input. This study evaluated white rot fungi and inducers (corncob, pineapple leaf, sorghum, and cocoa pod husk) to produce laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). Enzyme production was optimized by using Plackett Burman and response surface methodology. Purification was undertaken by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography. Trametes hirsuta and cocoa pod husk as producer and inducer, respectively, resulted in the highest enzyme activities. The activities of Lac and MnP were optimum at 762.25 U/L and 596.92 U/L, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature for Lac and MnP were pH 3 (room temperature) and 60 °C (pH 5). The expected Lac and MnP were observed at ~65 kDa and 35–50 kDa protein band, respectively.