Enzyme-catalyzed production of biodiesel by ultrasound-assisted ethanolysis of soybean oil in solvent-free system

Abstract

This work reports the transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol using a commercial immobilized lipase, Novozym 435, under the influence of ultrasound irradiation, in a solvent-free s. The experiments were performed in an ultrasonic water bath, following a sequence of experimental designs to evaluate the effects of temperature, enzyme and water concentrations, oil to ethanol molar ratio and output irradiation power on the reaction yield. Besides, a kinetic study varying the substrates molar ratio and enzyme concentration was also carried out. Results show that ultrasound-assisted lipase-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol in solvent-free system might be a potential alternative route to conventional alkali-catalyzed and/or traditional enzymatic methods, as high reaction yields (~78 wt%) were obtained at mild irradiation power supply (~132 W), and temperature (63 °C) in a relatively short reaction time, 1 h. Additionally, a study regarding the enzyme reuse was carried out at the experimental condition that afforded the best reaction yield.

Ultrasound intensification suppresses the need of methanol excess during the biodiesel production with Lipozyme TL-IM

“…Also, there have been some reports related to the use of ultrasound of lipase catalyzed biodiesel production. Trentin et al [8] reported the transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol using a commercial immobilized lipase, Novozym 435, under the influence of ultrasound irradiation, in a solvent-free system. Also, the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) by means of Macauba (Acrocomiaaculeata) coconut oil (MCO) in solvent-free enzymatic transesterification reactions using a commercial immobilized lipase (Novozym 435) under the influence of ultrasound irradiation has been reported by Michelin et al [9].…”

Production of biodiesel catalyzed by lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus in its soluble form

“…Considering these drawbacks, several studies suggest the use of lipases for enzymatic transesterification of triglycerides as an interesting alternative to the alkaline process . Compared to the conventional reaction of biodiesel production, the enzymatic route is considered a “greener reaction” due to its environmental benefits, since there is no generation of alkaline wastewater, as well as washing steps for catalyst removal being unnecessary .…”

Estudo Prévio Para Transesterificação Enzimática De Óleos Vegetais Em Meio Orgânico

“…Estes resultados mostram se superiores ao encontrados na literatura por Trentin (2013) que avaliou o uso de Novozym 435 em ciclos repetidos de metanólise de óleo de canola em sistema livre de solvente, observou que depois de 5 ciclos de 432 horas de reação, a conversão foi mantida a 97 %, mas, infelizmente, a atividade da enzima não foi relatada em tal trabalho de investigação. Naturalmente, a estabilidade da enzima é um parâmetro e estudos adicionais relevantes devem ser realizados para melhorar a imobilização de enzimas de poliuretano para fins práticos.…”