International Journal of Biological Chemistry1819-155x2152-2561Science International10.3923/ijbc.2012.31.36Theobroma cacao) Pod Husk]]>MensahC.A. AdamafioN.A. Amaning-KwartengK. RodriguesF.K. 1201261The high levels of anti-nutritional substances such as tannin and lignin in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husk hinder its proper utilization by animals. The purpose of the present study was to isolate laccase from the residual substrate of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in order to investigate its potential as a tool for the degradation of lignin and tannin in cocoa pod husk. Laccase (specific activity of 7.4 mU mg-1) was extracted from spent sawdust and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. The isolated enzyme oxidized 2,6-dimethoxyphenol optimally at pH 5.0 and showed maximum activity at 50°C. Treatment of cocoa pod husk with laccase for 40 min resulted in a 66% reduction in tannin content. Pretreatment of cocoa pod husk with laccase resulted in a higher rate of cellulose degradation in vitro. The enzyme was, however, unable to promote lignin depolymerization under the experimental paradigm employed. These findings provide an important opportunity for the isolation of laccase from the residual substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus on a commercial scale in Ghana. Treatment of cocoa pod husk with isolated extracellular laccase would reduce tannin levels considerably and thus, improve the nutritive value of cocoa pod husk-based animal feeds.]]>Adamafio, N.A., E. Cooper-Aggrey, F.O. Quaye, J.K. Laary and J. Quaye,2004in vitro enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides in crop residues.]]>448792Adamafio, N.A., M. Obodai and B.B. Brimpong,2009Zea mays) cob by Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1: Biopolymer profiles and cellulose degradability.]]>314591466Adamafio, N.A., K. Amaning-Kwarteng, F.K. Rodrigues and C.A. Mensah,2008Pleurotus oestreatus.]]>107884Alemawor, F., V.P. Dzogbefia, E.O.K. Oddoye and J.H. Oldham,2009Pleurotus ostreatus fermentation on cocoa pod husk composition: Influence of fermentation period and Mn2+ supplementation on the fermentation process.]]>819501958Salem, H.B., S. Abidi, H.P.S. Makkar and A. Nefzaou,2005Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. foliage and to improve digestion by Barbarine sheep.]]>12293108Brito, E.S., N.H.P. Garcia and A.C. Amancio, 20022002Da Costa, G., E. Lamy, F.S. Capela e, J. Andersen,B.E. Sales and A.V. Coelho,200834376387Das, N., S. Naskar, P. Chowdhury, B. Pasman and D. Adhikari,2011Pleurotus species.]]>6496502Desai, S.S. and C. Nityanand,2011398124Djarwanto and S. Tachibana,2010Acacia mangium leaves and twigs by six fungal isolates from nature.]]>13604610Ghosh, J.P., K.E. Taylor, J.K. Bewtra and N. Biswas,20087117091717Hindrichsen, I.K., M. Kreuzer, J. Madsen and K.E. Bach Knudsen,20068921682176Lettera, V., A. Piscitelli, G. Leo, L. Birolo, C. Pezzella and G. Sannia,2010Pleurotus ostreatus laccase family from mature fruiting body.]]>114724730Mueller-Harvey, I.,20068620102037Ocak, N.,20054324328Okuda, T. and H. Ito,20111621912217Olubamiwa, O., A.R. Otun and O.G. Longe,20021133135Pointing, S.B., E.B.G. Jones and L.P.P. Vrijmoed,2000Pycnoporus sanguineus in submerged liquid culture.]]>92139144Selinheimo, E., P. Lampila, M.L. Mattinen and J. Buchert,20085631183128Teguia, A. and A.C. Beynen,20052005Van Soest, P.J. and J.B. Robertson,19801980pp: 46-60pp: 46-60Gomes, D.I., E. Detmann, S.V. Filho, R.S. Fukushima and M.A. de Souza et al.,2011168206222Waghorn, G.,2008147116139Lowry, O.H., N.J. Rosebrough, A.L. Farr and R.J. Randall,1951193265275Price, M.L., S. van Scoyoc and L.G. Butler,19782612141218