Enhanced Biodiesel Production with Eversa Transform 2.0 Lipase on Magnetic Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Biodiesel production relies on efficient esterification and transesterification processes.
• Lipase immobilization is key to developing stable and reusable biocatalysts.
• Magnetic nanoparticles offer advantages for enzyme recovery and process efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To immobilize lipase Eversa Transform 2.0 (ET 2.0) onto magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4).
• To evaluate the performance of the immobilized enzyme for ethyl oleate synthesis.
• To assess the stability and reusability of the biocatalyst for sustainable biodiesel production.

Main Methods:

• Magnetic nanoparticles synthesized via coprecipitation, activated with glutaraldehyde, and functionalized with APTES.
• Lipase ET 2.0 immobilization optimized for pH, buffer, enzyme load, and contact time.
• Esterification of oleic acid with ethanol using the immobilized biocatalyst, followed by kinetic and recirculation studies.
• Molecular docking to assess enzyme-substrate binding affinity.

Main Results:

• Optimal immobilization conditions yielded 78% yield and 205.9 U/g activity.
• Immobilized lipase demonstrated superior performance compared to the free enzyme.
• Achieved 88.1% conversion in ethyl oleate synthesis, with ~80% conversion maintained over four cycles.
• Molecular docking indicated a stable enzyme-substrate complex (-5.8 kcal/mol binding affinity).

Conclusions:

• Immobilized lipase ET 2.0 on Fe3O4 nanoparticles is an effective and stable biocatalyst.
• The developed biocatalyst is suitable for sustainable biodiesel production through efficient esterification.
• Magnetic support facilitates easy recovery and reuse, enhancing process economics.