Esterification of phenolic acids catalyzed by lipases immobilized in organogels

Lipases from Rhizomucor miehei and Candida antarctica B were immobilized in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose organogels based on surfactant-free microemulsions consisting of n-hexane, 1-propanol and water. Both lipases kept their catalytic activity, catalyzing the esterification reactions of various phenolic acids including cinnamic acid derivatives. High reaction rates and yields (up to 94%) were obtained when lipase from C. antarctica was used. Kinetic studies have been performed and apparent kinetic constants were determined showing that ester synthesis catalyzed by immobilized lipases occurs via the Michaelis-Menten mechanism.