Bio-Inspired Silica Lipase Nanobiocatalysts for the Synthesis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Lipase immobilization strategies are key to the potential use of biological catalysts in reactions of interest. The bioinspired synthesis of silica nanoparticles uses biological or environmentally friendly processes to create highly functionalized supports with desirable properties such as increased surface area and stability. Here, we describe the preparation of two immobilization methods for Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase on biomimetic silica supports: in situ entrapment and covalent attachment to the hetero-functionalized surface of the nanoparticles, and their application in the synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters.