Ultrasound assisted Laccase catalyzed degradation of Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

• Reports degradation of Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a novel technique.
• Combination of enzyme with ultrasonication has been proposed.
• Maximum degradation in less time is achieved in ultrasound assisted enzyme catalyzed degradation.
• This technique possesses an attractive candidature for other pharmaceutical drug degradation.

This work reports a novel technique of laccase catalyzed degradation of Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in an ultrasound assisted process. Parameters such as enzyme loading, temperature, agitation, power, duty cycle and frequency are studied along with identification of intermediates. Maximum Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride degradation of 51% was achieved at 0.02% (w/v) enzyme loading, 60 °C temperature, power input 75 W, 22 kHz frequency, 50% duty cycle and agitation 200 rpm. As compared to conventional method, this technique not only increases Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride degradation but also reduces degradation time. Ultrasonication with stirring shows an improved degradation which can be used for other pharmaceuticals.