A scientometric analysis of research progress and trends in the design of laccase biocatalysts for the decolorization of synthetic dyes

This article conducted an advanced and comprehensive scientometric analysis of worldwide trends in decolor-izing synthetic dyes by laccase. Articles were collected, analyzed, and classified according to the different sub-strates, enzymes, supports, immobilization procedures, and reactors involved. These studies were carried out in 200 institutions across 58 countries, with only 10 concentrating 88% of the total publications. China, India, and Turkey were identified as the main contributors to this research theme. Additionally, 26% of the institutions surveyed published only one article in the analyzed period. The results of the presented analysis encompassed data generated from 1999 to 2021, spanning more than two decades of specialized research. A ranking of article publications in scientific journals involving laccase, immobilization, enzymes, and dyes is listed. Also listed are the ranking of the 10 most prolific countries in the area of immobilized enzymes and the 10 most cited articles on the immobilization of enzymes with dyes. This analysis includes information related to the methods of support and costs of manufacture involving enzyme and immobilization routes. Finally, a discussion is presented exploring the fact that innovative technologies have been developed to render enzyme production more sus-tainable and economically viable.