Polyamide-Laccase Nanofiber Membrane for Degradation of Endocrine-Disrupting Bisphenol A, 17α-ethinylestradiol, and Triclosan

Abstract

Contamination of potable water by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a growing problem worldwide. One of the possible treatments is the utilization of laccase enzyme catalyzing oxidation of phenolic structures of EDC when anchored in a polymeric nanofiber membrane. Previous studies failed to develop a membrane with a sufficiently active enzyme, or the immobilization process was too complicated and time-consuming. Here, we established an elegant method for immobilizing Trametes versicolor laccase onto polyamide 6 nanofibers (PA6-laccase) via adsorption and glutaraldehyde crosslinking, promoting high enzyme activity and easier applicability in water treatment technology. This simple and inexpensive immobilization ensures both repeated use, with over 88% of initial activity retained after five ABTS catalytic cycles, and enhanced storage stability. PA6-laccase was highly effective in degrading a 50-µM EDC mixture, with only 7% of bisphenol A, 2% of 17α-ethinylestradiol, and 30% of triclosan remaining after a 24-h catalytic process. The PA6-laccase membrane can lead to the improvement of novel technologies for controlling of EDC contamination in potable water.