Boosting laccase production by Penicillium commune s6 via solid-state fermentation on phenolic agri-wastes: statistical enhancement and bioremediation application in dye decolorization

Abstract Background Biological approaches, which involve applying the entire microbial cell or its released enzymes, provide an effective substitute for traditional techniques. By employing statistical optimization methodologies, key fermentation parameters can be precisely tuned to maximize enzyme yield. Results Penicillium commune S6, a fungal isolate useful for laccase synthesis in solid-state fermentation employing a variety of phenolic-rich agri-food wastes, was identified by 18 S rRNA sequencing. By applying potato peel waste as solid-state fermentation substrate for 30 days of incubation at 30 °C, pH 8.0, 60% moisture content, and 4 mM CuSO 4 using the inoculum size of 7.5%, P. commune S6 reached its maximal laccase production level, as determined by the one factor at a time (OFAT) technique. Laccase production would reach 6.20 U/gds at 2.71 mM CuSO 4 , 46 days of incubation, 12.64 g/flask of PPW content, and pH 9.13, according to response surface methodology (RSM) results. The laccase production levels predicted by the model and the actual experimental data showed a very good agreement, as indicated by the ANOVA analysis. P. commune S6 laccase was evaluated as a green alternative in dye decolorization, where it was found to be able to decolorize the Acid Dye Lanapel Red BM 143-PL at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 mg L − 1 by 100, 64.08, and 36.86% after 120 min, which suggest that P. commune S6 laccase is likely useful in the biotechnological and industrial uses under milder circumstances. Conclusion The integrated approach not only valorizes low-cost agro-industrial byproducts but also provides a robust, eco-friendly biocatalyst for wastewater treatment, highlighting a promising circular economy strategy for textile effluent detoxification.