Laccase purification and azo dye decolorization potential of <i>Sparassis latifolia</i>

<i>Sparassis latifolia</i> often referred to as Cauliflower mushroom possess both medicinal and edibility values. In this research work, first time laccase purification and dye colourisation efficacy of <i>Sparassis latifolia</i>’s purified laccase were assessed. Optimal laccase potential was noted after 12^th day of incubation with 4 pH of medium at 45 °C. As supplementary nutritional source, sucrose and ammonium sulphate were unveiled as most effective synthetic carbon and nitrogen sources while wheat straw found as proficient lignocellulosic biomass for enhanced laccase production. Following optimisation of laccase production parameters, laccase was purified to 14.2 fold by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and anion exchange chromatography. Laccase molecular weight determined through SDS PAGE was found to be of 65 KDa. This purified laccase was tested for its ability to decolourise the Congo red at definite pH and temperature. It was found that this fungus has capability to decolourise up to 98.6% of Congo-red dye.