Evaluation of oil transesterification in a packed-bed reactor containing lipase immobilized in starch-alginate jet cutting beads

Author(s)

Almeida, Francisco Lucas Chaves ; Sampaio, Klicia Araujo ; Prata, Ana Silvia ; Forte, Marcus Bruno Soares

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR; v. 18, n. 6, p. 10-pg., 2024-08-29.

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in ecofriendly enzymatic processes. However, enzyme solubility limits the application of many biocatalysts in continuous systems, requiring the development of cost-effective strategies for enzyme immobilization. Based on this premise, this study investigated the application of lipase immobilized in starch-alginate beads for oil transesterification in a tubular reactor. An economical derivative was produced by immobilizing Eversa Transform 2.0 in 50:50 (w/w) starch-alginate beads using the jet-cutting technique. The biocatalyst had a particle size of about 500 mu m and activity of 138.67 +/- 18.53 U g-1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed nitrogen content ranging from 6.38% to 7.29%, with uniform distribution of lipase throughout the beads. Nitrogen isotherms were characteristic of mesoporous materials, with an average pore diameter of 48.09 & Aring; and low surface area (0.69 m2 g-1). A face-centered central composite design was used to study soybean oil transesterification. In the best four runs, the process achieved a mean triglyceride conversion of 45%. High ester productivity levels (2.05 x 10-2% ester g-1 biocatalyst min-1 or 1.5 x 10-4% ester U-1 min-1) were obtained. Biocatalyst reuse led to a twofold increase in ester concentration (14.57% vs 7.7%). These findings confirm the successful development of a low-cost biocatalyst suitable for use in continuous reactions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development
• FAPESP's process: 20/14683-6 - EMU granted in the process 2014/21252-0: Infrared Spectroscopy Equipment FTIR, Agilent brand, model Cary 630
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 14/21252-0 - Equilibrium and production processes of biofuels and bioproducts
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants