The preparation and characterization of a laccase nanogel and its application in naphthoquinone synthesis

Laccase from Trametes versicolor 51639 was encapsulated on the nanoscale. The laccase nanogel was prepared by polyacrylamide encapsulation as a result of N-acryloxysuccinimide modification and in situ polymerization. Size-exclusion chromatography, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the laccase nanogel. Higher thermal, pH, and storage stability and organic-solvent tolerance of the laccase nanogel were indicated without activity loss. Moreover, the laccase nanogel was used to synthesize naphthoquinones from hydroquinones with a 10-15% greater overall yield than that of native laccase.