Lipolytic potential of filamentous fungus Aspergillus japonicus: characterization and lipase immobilization

• Grant number: 15/24564-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2016
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Ariela Veloso de Paula
• Grantee: Bárbara Ribeiro Ferrari
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The application of enzymes in various syntheses, in order to obtain products with high added value, is one of the most promising fields within enzyme technology. In this context, the operation of new techniques for enzymes production leads to handling different microorganisms. Among the enzymes available, special emphasis is given to lipases, biocatalysts able to catalyse the total or partial hydrolysis of triacylglycerides, acting on ester bonds present in the molecule and promoting the release of fatty acids and glycerol. These enzymes can be of animal, vegetable or microbial origin. However, from an economic and industrial point of view, microbial lipases are advantageous due to the ease of obtaining by fermentation processes. In this context, this project aims to produce lipase by submerged cultivation of Aspergillus japonicus DPUA1727. After production of the enzyme is carried out the characterization of the lipase as the kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax), optimum pH and temperature as well as thermal stability and storage. In a subsequent step, the lipase from Aspergillus japonicus will be immobilized in different carriers, selected based on the literature, in order to facilitate the application of the biocatalyst on a larger scale. Finally, the immobilized derivative also be characterized, it is possible to evaluate the effect of the kinetic properties of the immobilized biocatalyst. Implementation of the project will contribute to the development of national enzymatic processes technologies.