Modeling and Simulation for the Optimization of Laccase Production by Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Cocoa Waste

• Grant number: 25/06516-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Andreia de Araújo Morandim
• Grantee: Sophia Alves Luzeiro
• Supervisor: Turco Rosa
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário FEI (UNIFEI). Campus de São Bernardo do Campo. São Bernardo do Campo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Napoli Frederico II (UNINA), Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/14025-0 - Obtaining endophytic fungi from cocoa industry waste for laccase production and application in the treatment of synthetic effluents, BP.IC

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable technologies in environmental remediation has highlighted the relevance of fungal laccases as eco-friendly biocatalysts capable of degrading synthetic dyes under mild conditions. This project aims to optimize the production and characterize the catalytic behavior of laccase enzymes produced by endophytic fungi isolated from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) waste. The study integrates experimental enzymology and computational modeling to improve the scalability and applicability of these enzymes in wastewater treatment. During the BEPE-FAPESP internship at the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, statistical modeling and kinetic simulations will be applied to evaluate the influence of pH, temperature, and cultivation time on enzyme production and activity. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses will identify the most influential parameters and guide experimental prioritization. Integrating experimental data and mathematical models will support the development of predictive tools for optimizing fungal laccase production and application, contributing to biotechnological advances in valorizing agro-industrial waste and treating dye-contaminated effluents. (AU)