Integrated bioprocess development for laccase production by an endophytic Trametes villosa isolated from cocoa agro-industrial waste

Cocoa agro-industrial waste was explored as a source of endophytic fungi for laccase production, resulting in the isolation of 25 microorganisms. Among them, the CC4 ( Trametes villosa ) strain showed the highest production capacity. Statistical optimization demonstrated that laccase production was dependent on cultivation conditions, with maximum specific activity achieved under slightly acidic conditions and moderate temperatures. The production kinetics showed a sigmoidal profile, reaching a maximum specific activity of 171.48 µmol/mg min after five days of cultivation, and was accurately described by the logistic model (R² = 0.9871). The adjusted kinetic model successfully represented the laccase-catalyzed oxidation of syringaldazine. The laccase-enriched extract was subsequently immobilized on chitosan to generate a stable biocatalyst for dye degradation, achieving complete decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R and 99.9% decolorization of Bromophenol Blue, while maintaining high catalytic performance during successive reuse cycles. The integration of microbial bioprospecting, process optimization, kinetic modeling, enzyme immobilization, and environmental application demonstrates the potential of cocoa agro-industrial waste as a sustainable source of industrial biocatalysts. This study expands the biotechnological value of cocoa waste and provides an integrated strategy for developing enzymatic processes within the circular bioeconomy and sustainable bioprocess engineering frameworks.