Optimization of Lipase immobilised on Chitosan Beads for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

The objective of this study was to optimize the immobilization of lipase on a chitosan support for the purpose of biodiesel production. The immobilized enzyme was selected for characterization studies. The optimum lipase loading, immobilization time and concentration of immobilized enzyme were determined. The effect of important parameters such as pH, reaction temperature, reaction time, operational and storage stabilities were studied. From the study it was found that the optimal immobilization conditions were as follows: enzyme loading 0.2g/g Chitosan, temperature of 40ºC, pH of 7.0, molar ratio of 1:4, amount of beads of 2g and immobilization time of 3 h. Thermal, operational and storage stabilities of the enzyme were found to improve after immobilization. In conclusion, optimization of immobilization conditions was found to offer additional advantage on enzyme activity.