ULB

Our team specializes in the white biotechnology of laccases and other fungal ligninolytic enzymes. Enzyme production is carried out through submerged fermentation in bioreactors ranging from 10 to 200 L, with optimization of fungal strains, culture conditions, induction strategies, and downstream processing to obtain stable and active enzyme preparations.

Thanks to their oxidative catalytic properties, laccases can transform a wide range of environmental micropollutants, including phenolic compounds, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other persistent organic contaminants. We evaluate soluble, immobilized, and material-incorporated enzyme formulations to improve catalytic performance, operational stability, reusability, and applicability in water and wastewater treatment.

For PFAS mitigation, we investigate integrated hybrid processes combining enzymatic treatment with electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. In these systems, laccases and other oxidative enzymes may contribute to the transformation of co-contaminants and PFAS precursors, while electrochemical and photocatalytic treatments generate reactive species capable of attacking highly stable C–F bonds. This combined approach aims to enhance PFAS degradation, reduce toxic transformation products, and support the development of effective nature-based and technology-enabled solutions for biodiversity and ecosystem protection.