The Role of Free Radicals in the Mimetic Naphthalene Dioxygenase Function of Trametes versicolor Laccase Application for Biosynthesis of Isatin and Indirubin.

Naphthalene (Nap) is widely distributed in the environment and has attracted concern due to its recalcitrance to biodegradation and acute toxic effects. Although several laccases can degrade naphthalene, it remains unclear whether laccase is involved in dioxygenation or ring fission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We demonstrated that laccase has a naphthalene dioxygenase function with a distinct joint approach to oxygen and the alternative regioselective ring-fission process. These results supplement the family of dioxygenase with laccase, a mild method for the ring opening of aromatics, and an operable scale-up application for remediation from PAH pollution and for regioselective oxygenation and ring opening.