Enzymatic Esterification of Oleic Acid and Propanol by Novozym 435

Abstract

Recently, demand of biolubricants has been continuously increased since it is environmentally friendly and renewable. Therefore, this research focused on the biolubricants production from enzymatic esterification of oleic acid and propanol using Novozym 435 as a biocatalyst. The esterification experiments were conducted under the optimal conditions, as follows: 45°C, oleic acid to propanol molar ratio of 1:2, Novozym 435 loading of 5% based on the weight of oleic acid. It was shown that the optimal rotation speed at 250 rpm could minimize the effect of external mass transfer limitations and maintained the enzyme activity. The conversion of oleic acid from the esterification for 6 h with isopropanol was 76.4%, which was lower than that with n-propanol (88.9%). Novozym 435 could be reused in the production of propyloleate for at least 5 cycles with maintaining FFA conversion of 94% of its initial value. Moreover, the use of molecular sieve to remove water during the reaction could significantly enhance the final FFA conversion from 88.9% to 94.7%.

Sustainable Synthesis of Renewable Terpenoid-Based (Meth)acrylates Using the CHEM21 Green Metrics Toolkit

“…The use of methyl tert -butyl ether (MTBE) to filter off the catalyst and molecular sieves in this method, gave health concerns that could however be lowered when using an environmentally friendlier alternative such as ethyl- tert -butyl ether, which has a higher flash point and lower volatility and can be produced from bioethanol . While the reaction has been performed at 40 °C, it is known that this enzyme is active up to temperatures of 80 °C. ,, However, those higher reaction temperatures would also cause a higher denaturation and thus a lower recycling possibility, which would have a negative impact on the overall sustainability.…”

“…31 While the reaction has been performed at 40 °C, it is known that this enzyme is active up to temperatures of 80 °C. 39,43,44 However, those higher reaction temperatures would also cause a higher denaturation and thus a lower recycling possibility, which would have a negative impact on the overall sustainability.…”

A review of synthesis of esters with aromatic, emulsifying, and lubricant properties by biotransformation using lipases

“…The results showed that biochar is a highly promising material for the immobilization of CRL lipase for the catalytic production of esters. In this perspective, Mulalee et al (2014) researched the production of biolubricants from the enzymatic esterification of oleic acid and propanol using Novozym 435 as a biocatalyst. The esterification experiments were conducted under ideal conditions as follows: 45°C, 1:2 oleic acid to propanol molar ratio, 5% Novozym 435 loading based on oleic acid weight.…”

“…The results showed that biochar is a highly promising material for the immobilization of CRL lipase for the catalytic production of esters. In this perspective, Mulalee et al (2014) researched the production of biolubricants from the enzymatic esterification of oleic acid and propanol using Novozym 435 as a biocatalyst.…”