Insights on the laccase extraction and activity in ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems

•Several ionic liquids were investigated in aqueous biphasic systems to extract laccase and improve its activity.•Aqueous biphasic systems containing [Ch][DHCit] leads to the best results.•The complete extraction of laccase was achieved in a single step.•The activity of the biocatalyst was enhanced by 50%.•The number of hydroxyl groups in the IL plays an important role in the activity improvement.