This IPB Student is Successful in Purifiying Lacase from Nature

Nuzulina Mutika Sari, a Biochemistry student from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science (FMIPA) has had success in the purification and characterizing or classification of lacase. Lacase is an enzime which catalyzes the degradation of lignin. It is commonly known as an ‘eco-friendly’ enzyme and is often applicated in biopulping paper, wine as a beer stabilizer, biodegrading of textile coloring, bioremediation and biosensory. This lacase enzyme is often found in fungus, bacteria, plants, and insects. This research was developed under the supervision of Dr. Syamsul Falah.

Nuzul, as her familiar nickname, has performed the purification and characterization of lacase using a new strain that she has recently discovered. She has titled the strain as Zul62.

"The background to this research, namely is the development of this era that creates demands for green technology by producing products that are environmentally friendly with a renewable source," said Nuzul. Thus, Nuzul continued, biotechnology such as enzymes are considered to have an important role to develop products that are environmentally friendly to be applied to the industry in accordance with market demands. Therefore, Nuzul conducted a study of lacase enzymes

The purpose of Nuzul’s research is to produce lacase which is sourced from animal body or decayed wood from forests, this way it can be applicated well in the industry.

The fungus isolation which is used in this particular research is isolated from the Keranga Forests of Bangka Belitung. “As many as five varieties of isolate are used in this research. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the fungus isolate of the decayed white Leiotrametes flavida Strain ZUL26 results in the highest amount of lacase activists in four days time using a solid fermentation media from the pulps of sago,” said Nuzul.

This particular research has also resulted that by adding magnesium, manganese and zinc can increase the activity of lacase. This research alone took almost 10 months to complete. (Avr)