Srinjan Sinha

Bachelor Thesis @Heritage Institute Of Technology

Kolkata, IN

This project focused on the bioprospecting of edible fungi as an eco-friendly source of laccase, a multicopper oxidase enzyme with broad industrial relevance. Laccase catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic and non-phenolic substrates while reducing oxygen to water, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical catalysts in sectors such as textile dye degradation, lignin breakdown, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation. Key Responsibilities: Designed experimental workflow for fungal culturing, media optimization, and enzyme screening. Maintained and handled pure fungal cultures in both solid (PDA) and liquid (GMY, cereal bran) media under aseptic conditions. Conducted qualitative screening of laccase production using substrate-specific assays Isolated crude extracellular laccase and concentrated it via lyophilization (freeze-drying). Quantified protein content using the Bradford assay and assessed enzymatic activity via Guaiacol spectrophotometric assay. Determined the temperature and pH optima for enzyme stability and activity. Performed and monitored dye decolourisation experiments using Congo Red to assess the enzyme’s industrial applicability. Major Achievements:🥇 Successfully identified Pleurotus ostreatus, as a high-yield laccase producer. Achieved a 1.49-fold increase in enzyme concentration through lyophilization, validated by both Bradford assay and enzymatic activity measurements. Demonstrated the enzyme’s optimal activity, indicating thermostability and acidic resistance—valuable for industrial use. Established the dye-degradation potential of the fungal laccase, with ~86% decolourisation of Congo Red observed using lyophilized samples.🧠 Developed a scalable and reproducible protocol for crude enzyme production and characterization. Authored a complete thesis report and defended it successfully, earning departmental approval and commendation for practical significance.

Heritage Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Technology - BTech, Biotechnology

Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Project intern

B.D.M. International School

Higher secondary

B.D.M. International School

Secondary

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad

Master of Technology - MTech, Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering