Esterification synthesis of ethyl oleate in solvent-free system catalyzed by lipase membrane from fermentation broth

In this study, the immobilized lipase was prepared by fabric membrane adsorption in fermentation broth. The lipase immobilization method in fermentation broth was optimized on broth activity units and pH adjustments. The viscose fermentation broth can be used with a certain percentage of dilution based on the original broth activity units. The fermentation broth can be processed directly without pH adjustment. In addition, the oleic acid ethyl ester production in solvent-free system catalyzed by the immobilized lipase was optimized. The molar ratio of ethanol to oil acid, the enzyme amount, the molecular amount, and the temperature were 1:1, 12% (w/w), 9% (w/w)(based the total amount of reaction mixture), and 30 °C, respectively. Finally, the optimal condition afforded at least 19 reuse numbers with esterification rate above 80% under stepwise addition of ethanol. Due to simple lipase immobilization preparation, acceptable esterification result during long-time batch reactions and lower cost; the whole process was suitable for industrial ethyl oleate production.