Insect-Microbe-Based Laccase: Untapped Natural Resource for Industrial and Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

Insects are highly diversified organisms that often form strong relationships with microorganisms. This relationship is driven by the secretion and exchange of various proteins. Among these, laccase (Lac), also known as multicopper oxidoreductase, is notable due to its high redox potential, broad substrate specificity, and reactivity. Many insects that produce Lacs are capable of breaking down various plant materials, including leaf litter, wood, paper, wool, clothes, and leather. As such, Lac is of prime importance in insect-microbe ecological roles and it is important that Lacs are further explored for a range of beneficial applications. Although some studies already highlight the potential of insect-microbe-associated Lacs in biotechnology and bioremediation, they are not as extensively identified, characterized, or explored as those from fungi and bacteria. Lacs are typically produced by various organisms and secreted outside of cells via complex pathways. The biosynthesis of Lac can be enhanced or engineered through bioinformatics, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology tools, which achieve significant success in genome mining over the last decade. This review aims to raise awareness of the untapped potential of insect-microbe-associated Lacs and calls for their further exploration for human benefit.