A simple nanotechnology based immobilization technique for imparting psychrostability and enhanced
activity to a psychrophilic laccase has been described here. Laccase from a psychrophile was supplemented
with Copper oxide nanoparticles (NP) corresponding to copper (NP-laccase), the cationic activator
of this enzyme and entrapped in single walled nanotube (SWNT). The activity and stability of laccase
was enhanced both at temperatures as low as 4 C and as high as 80 C in presence of NP and SWNT. The
enzyme could be released and re-trapped (in SWNT) multiple times while retaining significant activity.
Laccase, immobilized in SWNT, retained its activity after repeated freezing and thawing. This unique
capability of SWNT to activate and stabilize cold active enzymes at temperatures much lower or higher
than their optimal range may be utilized for processes that require bio-conversion at low temperatures
while allowing for shifts to higher temperature if so required.