The present study relates to a nanotechnology enabled method in which purified laccase from Escherichia coli AKL2 was supplemented with 100 mu M copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O) (NP-laccase). The activity, half life and stability of NP-laccase were enhanced by 4,42 and 36-fold respectively at high temperature (80 degrees C) and also over a wide range of pH (4-12) than laccase (in the presence of 0.18 mM CuSO4). Thermodynamic analysis of the nanoparticle-induced enzyme stability revealed an enhanced entropyenthalpy compensation at 80 degrees C, which reflected the maintenance of its native structure. This was further supported by CD studies. The enhanced activity and thermostability of NP-laccase can be utilized for efficient decolorisation of dyes (both phenolic and azo). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.