Immobilization of Trametes versicolor laccase on different PGMA‐based polymeric microspheres using response surface methodology: Optimization of conditions

Enzymatic immobilization is a versatile alternative to improve enzyme stability and enable its reuse. In this study, the change in the immobilized enzyme properties due to the type of functional group on the carrier was evaluated. For that, monodisperse polymeric microspheres with two functional groups widely used in laccase immobilization—oxirane poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)] and hydrazide—were synthesized by dispersion polymerization to covalently immobilize the laccase Trametes versicolor. Using a response surface methodology, laccase immobilization was optimized for each microsphere type. As a result, laccase immobilization on PGMA carriers appears to broaden the pH and temperature ranges, storage stability, and reusability compared to free and hydrazide enzymes. These aforementioned characteristics indicate that PGMA microspheres could act as an ideal support for enzyme immobilization in biotechnological applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45249.