Graphene oxide/CuFe2O4 nanocomposite as a novel scaffold for the immobilization of laccase and its application as a recyclable nanobiocatalyst for the green synthesis of arylsulfonyl benzenediols

The graphene oxide decorated with CuFe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared, noted as GO-CuFe2O4. Then the Trametes versicolor Laccase was immobilized onto the modified graphene oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles via covalent bonding (GO-CuFe2O4-Laccase). It was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and alternating gradient force magnetometry (AGFM) techniques. Additionally, it was observed that the storage, pH and thermal stability of GO-CuFe2O4-Laccase were improved compared to free laccase. Finally, GO-CuFe2O4-Laccase was used as a magnetically recoverable nanobiocatalyst for the green synthesis of arylsulfonyl benzenediols via aerobic oxidative coupling between benzenediols and sodium benzenesulfinates. The immobilized laccase was recovered and reused up to 10 times with little loss of activity.