Catalytic activity of laccases in aqueous solutions of ionic liquids

The ionic liquids, [bmim]Br and [bmim][N(CN)(2)] (where [bmim] = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium), stimulated laccase-catalysed oxidation of catechol when provided at concentrations between 10-20% and 50-60% (v/v) in water, respectively. However, activity was inhibited at higher and lower concentrations. [bmim][BF4] was inhibitory at all concentrations tested, but residual activity was still retained in [bmim][BF4] with <= 20% water.