AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of a novel bacterial laccase-like multi-copper oxidase (LMCO) from Paenibacillus glucanolyticus SLM1: a bacterium isolated from pulp and paper waste. Methods and ResultsA new bacterial LMCO gene (CuOx) from P.glucanolyticus SLM1 was identified and cloned into pET22b. The protein it encodes was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant P.glucanolyticus LMCO had a molecular weight of approximately 90 kDa and demonstrated oxidation of the LMCO substrates 2,2-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), catechol, and 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol (2,6-DMP), with the oxidation of ABTS occurring to the greatest extent (776Umg(-1) under optimal conditions of pH 7 and 40 degrees C). Furthermore, recombinant P.glucanolyticus CuOx retained activity against ABTS in the presence of 1moll(-1) NaCl, 50% dimethyl sulfoxide and 5% Tween-80 and can decolorize several types of dyes. ConclusionsThis enzyme has a neutral pH optimum, is capable of decolorizing dyes, and is active in the presence salt, detergents and surfactant. The characteristics of this enzyme suggest that it could be used for a variety of industrial applications. Significance and Impact of the StudyThis work characterizes a unique bacterial LMCO with activity higher than that of previously characterized fungal or bacterial LMCOs. This enzyme may have utility for industrial bleaching, treatment of dye effluent, and lignin removal.