PubMed · 2026-07-07
Researchers found that a natural enzyme called laccase, produced by a common soil bacterium, can tightly bind to and potentially break down some of the most toxic industrial pollutants on earth. Computer simulations confirmed the enzyme is stable and non-toxic, suggesting it could be used to clean contaminated soils and waterways without harsh chemicals.
Laccase from Bacillus paralicheniformis showed binding energies of -7.3 and -7.2 kcal/mol with two of the most toxic PCDF variants, indicating strong molecular affinity.
Molecular dynamics simulations run over 100 nanoseconds confirmed the enzyme-pollutant complex remains structurally stable, with key interactions at residues PRO A:433, HIS B:431, and LYS B:466.
Toxicity screening confirmed laccase itself is non-toxic while PCDFs showed significant systemic toxicity, supporting its safety profile for environmental bioremediation applications.