Cloning and expression of thermo-alkali-stable laccase of Bacillus licheniformis in Pichia pastoris and its characterization

► The laccase gene from Bacillus licheniformis was expressed in Pichia pastoris. ► The recombinant enzyme was successfully secreted from yeast cells in an active form. ► The purified laccase was thermo-alkali-stable and resistant towards organic solvents. ► More than 93% of the tested dyes were decolorized after 6 h treatment by the laccase.