Sustainable solutions through metagenomic laccases: Industrial and environmental perspectives

Metagenomics has revolutionized the discovery of multicopper enzymes, such as laccases, which are crucial for oxidizing phenolic compounds and are known for their remarkable versatility in substrate utilization. This approach addresses the limitations of existing laccases, which are often constrained by low efficiency and suboptimal performance under extreme conditions due to reliance on culturable organisms. Metagenomic-derived laccases occur naturally in fungi, plants, and certain bacteria, and are distinguished by their unique catalytic properties, making them indispensable for a variety of biotechnological applications. The advent of metagenomic techniques, which facilitate the direct analysis of environmental DNA, provides a novel and effective approach for discovering new laccases that may elude traditional enzyme screening methods. Metagenomic libraries derived from a wide range of environmental samples provide opportunities to discover novel enzymatic activities and to isolate enzymes with substantial potential for industrial, environmental, and medicinal applications. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the various roles of metagenomic laccases, with particular emphasis on their applications in bioremediation, textile processing, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceutical development. The remarkable ability of these enzymes to perform under extreme environmental conditions further enhances their relevance in advancing environmental sustainability and boosting industrial efficiency. In conclusion, continued exploration of metagenome-derived laccases is essential to expand the repertoire of biocatalysts, optimize their industrial applications, and address pressing global environmental challenges. The integration of metagenomic approaches into biotechnological research not only fosters innovation but also contributes to the development of sustainable, eco-friendly solutions across various industries. • Laccases play a vital role in bioremediation processes, such as wastewater treatment and plastic biodegradation. • Laccase enzymes enable sustainable industrial applications under extreme conditions. • Diverse samples reveal unique enzymatic activities in industry and medicine. • The exploration of metagenomic laccases is key to solving environmental challenges and advancing biotechnology.