A simple approach for hydrolysis of heterogeneous substrates using lipase

Abstract

A simple approach for the hydrolysis of heterogeneous substrates using lipase is proposed. The hydrolysis of coconut oil was evaluated as a model substrate, and Novozym 435 (CALB) was used as biocatalysts. Reaction parameters were optimized, three variables were identified: temperature, molar ratio and the enzyme amount on the hydrolysis yield. The mixture of coconut oil, water and lipase were monitored each hour to verify the conversion in fatty acids. Results showed that, the optimum condition for the reaction at 48 oC, 10% of the enzyme relative to oil mass and 1:9 coconut oil: water molar ratio giving a conversion of 19.43%. These results are initial studies, which should be further investigated. The simple procedure might be a useful technology for reactions including full modification of heterogeneous substrates.