Production of laccase by Curvularia sp.

A Curvularia sp. isolated from soil was found to contain laccase activity toward guaiacol as substrate. The organism produced an extracellular laccase in a medium containing yeast extract, peptone and dextrose. Initial medium pH 4.0 and cultivation temperature 30 degrees C were found to be most suitable for maximum enzyme production. The optimum pH and temperature for laccase activity were found to be 5.2 and 50 degrees C, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the enzyme had a Km (guaiacol) of 0.75 mmol/L and a V of 1.50 CU min-1 ml-1. Some divalent metal ions inhibited laccase activity at very low concentrations.