Preparation, functionalization and characterization of rice husk silica for lipase immobilization via adsorption

Fabrication of immobilized lipases from Candida rugosa on hierarchical mesoporous silica for enzymatic enrichment of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by selective hydrolysis

In this study, lipase from Candida rugosa was immobilized on hydrophobic hierarchical porous hollow silica microsphere (HPHSM-C3) via adsorption. The prepared biocatalyst HPHSM-C3@CRL exhibited higher activity, thermal and pH stability. HPHSM-C3@CRL remained 70.2% of initial activity after 30 days of storage at 24 °C and 50.4% of initial activity after 10 cycles. Moreover, HPHSM-C3@CRL was utilized in enzymatic enrichment of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in glycerides, achieving ω-3 PUFAs content of 53.42% with the hydrolysis rate of 48.78% under optimal condition. The Km and Vmax value of HPHSM-C3@CRL was 42.2% lower and 63.5% higher than those of CRL, respectively. The 3D structure analysis of CRL, substrates and pore structure of HPHSM-C3 suggested that the hierarchical pore improved activity and selectivity of immobilized lipase. This result demonstrated that HPHSM-C3@CRL may be an effective biocatalyst for the enzymatic enrichment of ω-3 PUFAs in food industries.

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the thermal inactivation of lipase immobilized on glutaraldehyde-activated rice husk silica

The objective of this study was to obtain sufficient information on the thermal stabilization of a food-grade lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) using the immobilization technique. To do this, a new non-porous support was prepared via the sequential extraction of SiO2 from rice husks, followed by functionalization with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane - 3-APTES (Amino-SiO2), and activation with glutaraldehyde - GA (GA-Amino-SiO2). We evaluated the influence of GA concentration, which varied from 0.25% v v-1 to 4% v v-1, on the immobilization parameters and enzyme thermal stabilization. The thermal inactivation parameters for both biocatalyst forms (soluble or immobilized TLL) were calculated by fitting a non-first-order enzyme inactivation kinetic model to the experimental data. According to the results, TLL was fully immobilized on the external support surface activated with different GA concentrations using an initial protein load of 5 mg g-1. A sharp decrease of hydrolytic activity was observed from 216.6 ± 12.4 U g-1 to 28.6 ± 0.9 U g-1 of after increasing the GA concentration from 0.25% v v-1 to 4.0% v v-1. The support that was prepared using a GA concentration at 0.5% v v-1 provided the highest stabilization of TLL - 31.6-times more stable than its soluble form at 60 °C. The estimations of the thermodynamic parameters, e.g., inactivation energy (Ed), enthalpy (ΔH#), entropy (ΔS#), and the Gibbs energy (ΔG#) values, confirmed the enzyme stabilization on the external support surface at temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 °C. These results show promising applications for this new heterogeneous biocatalyst in industrial processes given the high catalytic activity and thermal stability.

Tuning surface interactions on MgFe2O4 nanoparticles to induce interfacial hyperactivation in Candida rugosa lipase immobilization

Lipase adsorption on solid supports can be mediated by a precise balance of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. A suitable fine-tuning could allow the immobilized enzyme to display high catalytic activity. The objective of this work was to investigate how pH and ionic strength fluctuations affected protein-support interactions during immobilization via physical adsorption of a Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) on MgFe2O5. The highest amount of immobilized protein (IP) was measured at pH 4, and an ionic strength of 90 mM. However, these immobilization conditions did not register the highest hydrolytic activity (HA) in the biocatalyst (CRLa@MgFe2O4), finding the best values also at acidic pH but with a slight shift towards higher values of ionic strength around 110 mM. These findings were confirmed when the adsorption isotherms were examined under different immobilization conditions so that the maximum measurements of IP did not coincide with that of HA. Furthermore, when the recovered activity was examined, a strong interfacial hyperactivation of the lipase was detected towards acidic pH and highly charged surrounding environments. Spectroscopic studies, as well as in silico molecular docking analyses, revealed a considerable involvement of surface hydrophobic protein-carrier interactions, with aromatic aminoacids, especially phenylalanine residues, playing an important role. In light of these findings, this study significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and a better understanding of the factors that influence the lipase immobilization process on magnetic inorganic oxide nanoparticle surfaces.

Interfacial Hyperactivation of Candida rugosa Lipase onto Ca2Fe2O5 Nanoparticles: pH and Ionic Strength Fine-Tuning to Modulate Protein-Support Interactions

The current study provides a comprehensive look of the adsorption process of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) on Ca2Fe2O5 iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Protein-support interactions were identified across a broad range of pH and ionic strengths (mM) through a response surface methodology, surface charge determination, and spectroscopic and in silico analyses. The maximum quantity of immobilized protein was achieved at an ionic strength of 50 mM and pH 4. However, this condition did not allow for the greatest hydrolytic activity to be obtained. Indeed, it was recorded at acidic pH, but at 150 mM, where evaluation of the recovered activity revealed hyperactivation of the enzyme. These findings were supported by adsorption isotherms performed under different conditions. Based on zeta potential measurements, electrostatic interactions contributed differently to protein-support binding under the conditions tested, showing a strong correlation with experimentally determined immobilization parameters. Raman spectra revealed an increase in hydrophobicity around tryptophan residues, whereas the enzyme immobilization significantly reduced the phenylalanine signal in CRL. This suggests that this residue was involved in the interaction with Ca2Fe2O2 and molecular docking analysis confirmed these findings. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed distinct behaviors in the CRL emission patterns with the addition of Ca2Fe2O5 at pH 4 and 7. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that the contact would be mediated by hydrophobic interactions at both pHs, as well as by ionic ones at pH 4. In this approach, this work adds to our understanding of the design of biocatalysts immobilized in iron oxide NPs.

Research Progress and Trends on Utilization of Lignocellulosic Residues as Supports for Enzyme Immobilization via Advanced Bibliometric Analysis

Lignocellulosic biomasses are used in several applications, such as energy production, materials, and biofuels. These applications result in increased consumption and waste generation of these materials. However, alternative uses are being developed to solve the problem of waste generated in the industry. Thus, research is carried out to ensure the use of these biomasses as enzymatic support. These surveys can be accompanied using the advanced bibliometric analysis tool that can help determine the biomasses used and other perspectives on the subject. With this, the present work aims to carry out an advanced bibliometric analysis approaching the main studies related to the use of lignocellulosic biomass as an enzymatic support. This study will be carried out by highlighting the main countries/regions that carry out productions, research areas that involve the theme, and future trends in these areas. It was observed that there is a cooperation between China, USA, and India, where China holds 28.07% of publications in this area, being the country with the greatest impact in the area. Finally, it is possible to define that the use of these new supports is a trend in the field of biotechnology.

Microbial cellulase production and stability investigations via graphene like carbon nanostructure derived from paddy straw

Cellulases are among the most in-demand bioprocess enzymes, and the high cost of production, combined with their low enzymatic activity, is the main constraint, particularly in the biofuels industry. As a result, low-cost enzyme production modes with high activity and stability have emerged as the primary focus of research. Here, a method for producing a graphene like carbon nanostructure (GLCNs) has been investigated utilizing paddy straw (Ps), and its physicochemical characteristics have been examined using a variety of techniques including XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. Further, the pretreatment of Ps feedstock for cellulase production was done using diluted waste KOH liquid collected during the preparation of the GLCNs. To increase the production and stability of the enzyme, newly prepared GLCNs is utilized as a nanocatalyst. Using 15 mg of GLCNs, 35 IU/gds FP activity was seen after 72 h, followed by 158 IU/gds EG and 114 IU/gds BGL activity in 96 h. This nanocatalyst supported enzyme was thermally stable at 70 °C up to 15 h and exhibited stability at pH 7.0 for 10 h by holding 66 % of its half-life.

Renewable, sustainable, and natural lignocellulosic carriers for lipase immobilization: A review

It is well-known that enzymes are molecules particularly susceptible to pH and temperature variations. Immobilization techniques may overcome this weakness besides improving the reusability of the biocatalysts. Given the strong push toward a circular economy, the use of natural lignocellulosic wastes as supports for enzyme immobilization has been increasingly attractive in recent years. This fact is mainly due to their high availability, low costs, and the possibility of reducing the environmental impact that can occur when they are improperly stored. In addition, they have physical and chemical characteristics suitable for enzyme immobilization (large surface area, high rigidity, porosity, reactive functional groups, etc.). This review aims to guide readers and provide them with the tools necessary to select the most suitable methodology for lipase immobilization on lignocellulosic wastes. The importance and the characteristics of an increasingly interesting enzyme, such as lipase, and the advantages and disadvantages of the different immobilization methods will be discussed. The various kinds of lignocellulosic wastes and the processing required to make them suitable as carriers will be also reported.

Immobilization of lipase on silica nanoparticles by adsorption followed by glutaraldehyde cross-linking

In this study, Candida antarctica lipase B was immobilized on silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles by physical adsorption, and then cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to prepare cross-linked immobilized lipase (CLIL). During the condition of 1.28 mg/mL lipase concentration, 25 ℃ temperature, 2 h adsorption time, 0.01% GA (V/V) 7.5 mL and 2 h cross-linking time, the highest recovery activity of CLIL reached 87.82 ± 0.07% (22.55 ± 0.025 U/mg). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) confirmed that lipase was immobilized on the surface of SiO₂ nanoparticles. The changes in secondary structures of CLIL indicated that cross-linking changed the secondary structure of lipase protein, which made the structure of CLIL more stable. Compared with the free lipase, the thermal stability and storage stability of CLIL was significantly improved, and the t_1/2 at 60 °C was extended. Studies had shown that it was a feasible method to obtain CLIL by cross-linking after adsorbing lipase on SiO₂ nanoparticles.

Immobilization of Lipase from Candida antarctica B (CALB) by Sol-Gel Technique Using Rice Husk Ash as Silic Source and Ionic Liquid as Additive

This work presents the immobilization in situ of commercial lipase from Candida antarctica B (CALB) by the sol-gel technique (xerogel) using silica from rice husk ash (RHA) as a source of silicon. It was used the Ionic Liquid (IL) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (C8MI.Br) as additive. The immobilized derivatives were characterized per SEM, XRD, and per method BET. The enzymatic activity of xerogels was evaluated with different tests, these being the reactional thermal analysis, immobilization yield, and operational and storage stability. The XDR showed that the obtained xerogels have halos in the region between 15 and 35° (2θ) what characterizes it as amorphous materials. The SEM analysis of xerogel shows irregular particles with dimensions less than 20 μm. The immobilized presented an esterification activity (EA) with 263.2 and 213.8 U/g, with and without IL, respectively, higher than the free enzyme (169.6 U/g). The immobilized, with and without IL, presented a significant improvement in the activity performance in relation to free enzyme for the three reactional temperatures (40, 60, and 80 °C) evaluated. The operational stability demonstrated that is possible to use xerogel without ionic liquid for 17 recycles and 21 recycles in IL presence. This methodology allows the preparation of new highly active and selective enzyme catalysts using the rice husk ash as a source of silicon, and the ionic liquid [C8MI]Br as additive. Furthermore, the new materials can provide greater viability in the processes, ensuring longer catalyst life.

Modifying Thermostability and Reusability of Hyperthermophilic Mannanase by Immobilization on Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked Chitosan Beads

In the current study, the purified β-mannanase (Man/Cel5B) from Thermotoga maritima was immobilized on glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan beads. The immobilization of Man/Cel5B on chitosan beads was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. After immobilization, the protein loading efficiency and immobilization yield were found to be 73.3% and 71.8%, respectively. The optimum pH for both free and immobilized enzymes was found to be pH 5.5. However, the optimum temperature of immobilized Man/Cel5B increased by 10 °C, from 85 °C (free Man/Cel5B) to 95 °C (Immobilized). The half-life of free and immobilized enzymes was found to be 7 h and 9 h, respectively, at 85 °C owing to the higher thermostability of immobilized Man/Cel5B. The increase in thermostability was also demonstrated by an increase in the energy of deactivation (209 kJmol⁻¹) for immobilized enzyme compared to its native form (92 kJmol⁻¹), at 85 °C. Furthermore, the immobilized Man/Cel5B displayed good operational stability as it retained 54% of its original activity after 15 repeated catalytic reactions concerning its free form.

Decyl esters production from soybean-based oils catalyzed by lipase immobilized on differently functionalized rice husk silica and their characterization as potential biolubricants

This study aimed the enzymatic decyl esters production by hydroesterification, a two-step process consisting of hydrolysis of refined soybean (RSBO) or used soybean cooking (USCO) oils to produce free fatty acids (FFA) and further esterification of purified FFA. Using free lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL), about 98% hydrolyses for both oils have been observed after 180 min of reaction using a CRL loading of 50 U g-1 of reaction mixture, 40 °C, and a mechanical stirring of 1500 rpm. FFA esterification with decanol in solvent-free systems was performed using lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) immobilized by physical adsorption on silica particles extracted from rice husk, an agricultural waste. For such purpose, non-functionalized (SiO2) or functionalized rice husk silica bearing octyl (Octyl-SiO2) or phenyl (Phe-SiO2) groups have been used as immobilization supports. Protein amounts between 22 and 28 mg g-1 of support were observed. When used in the esterification, they enabled a FFA conversion of 81.3-87.6% after 90-300 min of reaction. Lipozyme TL IM, a commercial immobilized TLL, exhibited similar performance compared to TLL-Octyl-SiO2 (FFA conversion ≈90% after 90-120 min of reaction). However, high operational stability after fifteen successive esterification batches was observed only for TLL immobilized on Octyl-SiO2 (activity retention of ≈90% using both FFA sources). The produced decyl esters presented good characteristics as potential biolubricants according to standard methods (ASTM) and thermal analysis.

Lignocellulosic residues as supports for enzyme immobilization, and biocatalysts with potential applications

Growing demand for agricultural production means a higher quantity of residues produced. The reuse and recycling of agro-industrial wastes reduce worldwide greenhouse emissions. New opportunities are derived from this kind of residuals in the biotechnological field generating valuable products in growing sectors such as transportation, bioenergy, food, and feedstock. The use of natural macromolecules towards biocatalysts offers numerous advantages over free enzymes and friendliness with the environment. Enzyme immobilization improves enzyme properties (stability and reusability), and three types of supports are discussed: inorganic, organic, and hybrid. Several examples of agro-industrial wastes such as coconut wastes, rice husks, corn residues and brewers spent grains (BSG), their properties and potential as supports for enzyme immobilization are described in this work. Before the immobilization, biological and non-biological pretreatments could be performed to enhance the waste potential as a carrier. Additionally, immobilization methods such as covalent binding, adsorption, cross-linking and entrapment are compared to provide high efficiency. Enzymes and biocatalysts for industrial applications offer advantages over traditional chemical processes with respect to sustainability and process efficiency in food, energy, and bioremediation fields. The wastes reviewed in this work demonstrated a high affinity for lipases and laccases and might be used in biodiesel production and textile wastewater treatment, among other applications.

Development of Chitosan/Rice Husk-Based Silica Composite Membranes for Biodiesel Purification

Inorganic–organic composite membranes (IOCMs) are an alternative separation method developed for their straightforward process, economic benefits, and ease of scaling up. The IOCMs in this study were prepared from a biopolymer chitosan matrix and rice husk-based silica filler to remove impurities from crude biodiesel. The IOCMs were prepared through phase inversions, in which the priorly prepared silica particles were dispersed in the dope solution of chitosan. The maximum loading of the silica particles was 60%, capable of reducing the soap level, free glycerol level, and acid number from 547.9 to 12.2 mg/L, 54 to 0.041%, and 2.02 to 1.12 mgKOH/g. These reduced impurity values have satisfied the standardized quality. The chemical composition and morphology of the IOCM was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. The IOCM water absorption-based porosity and swelling degree were studied as well. Further investigation using isothermal modeling revealed the adsorption dependency against the Sips model equation (R² = 0.99 and root-mean-square errors = 1.77 × 10⁻⁸). Even though regeneration is still a challenging factor in this study, the IOCM prepared from chitosan and rice husk-derived silica particles could be used in crude biodiesel purification.

Immobilization of Lipases on Modified Silica Clay for Bio-Diesel Production: The Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on Performance

The hydrophobicity of a support plays a critical role in the catalytic efficiency of immobilized lipases. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified silica clay (A-SC) was coupled with silane coupling agents of different alkyl chains (methyl triethoxysilane, vinyl triethoxysilane, octyl triethoxysilane, and dodecyl triethoxysilane) to prepare a series of hydrophobic support for lipase immobilization. The lipases were immobilized onto the support by conducting glutaraldehyde cross-linking processes. The results showed that the activity of the immobilized biocatalyst increased with hydrophobicity. The hydrolytic activity of Lip-Glu-C12-SC (contact angle 119.8°) can reach 5900 U/g, which was about three times that of Lip-Glu-A-SC (contact angle 46.5°). The immobilized lipase was applied as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production. The results showed that the catalytic yield of biodiesel with highly hydrophobic Lip-Glu-C12-SC could be as high as 96%, which is about 30% higher than that of Lip-Glu-A-SC. After being recycled five times, the immobilized lipase still maintained good catalytic activity and stability. This study provides a good strategy to improve the efficiency of immobilized lipases, showing great potential for future industrial application on biodiesel production.

Facile Cellulase Immobilisation on Bioinspired Silica

Cellulases are enzymes with great potential for converting biomass to biofuels for sustainable energy. However, their commercial use is limited by their costs and low reusability. Therefore, the scientific and industrial sectors are focusing on finding better strategies to reuse enzymes and improve their performance. In this work, cellulase from Aspergillus niger was immobilised through in situ entrapment and adsorption on bio-inspired silica (BIS) supports. To the best of our knowledge, this green effect strategy has never been applied for cellulase into BIS. In situ entrapment was performed during support synthesis, applying a one-pot approach at mild conditions (room temperature, pH 7, and water solvent), while adsorption was performed after support formation. The loading efficiency was investigated on different immobilisation systems by Bradford assay and FTIR. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen as a control to optimize cellulase loading. The residual activity of cellulase was analysed by the dinitro salicylic acid (DNS) method. Activity of 90% was observed for the entrapped enzyme, while activity of ~55% was observed for the adsorbed enzyme. Moreover, the supported enzyme systems were recycled five times to evaluate their reuse potential. The thermal and pH stability tests suggested that both entrapment and adsorption strategies can increase enzyme activity. The results highlight that the entrapment in BIS is a potentially useful strategy to easily immobilise enzymes, while preserving their stability and recycle potential.

Highly effective enzymes immobilization on ceramics: Requirements for supports and enzymes

Enzyme immobilization is a well-known method for the improvement of enzyme reusability and stability. To achieve very high effectiveness of the enzyme immobilization, not only does the method of attachment need to be optimized, but the appropriate support must be chosen. The essential necessities addressed to the support applied for enzyme immobilization can be focused on the material features as well as on the stability and resistances in certain conditions. Ceramic membranes and nanoparticles are the most widespread supports for enzyme immobilization. Hence, the immobilization of enzymes on ceramic membrane and nanoparticles are summarized and discussed. The important properties of the supports are particle size, pore structure, active surface area, volume to surface ratio, type and number of reactive available groups, as well as thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. The modifiers and the crosslinkers are crucial to the enzyme loading amount, the chemical and physical stability, and the reusability and catalytical activity of the immobilized enzymes. Therefore, the chemical and physical methods of modification of ceramic materials are presented. The most popular and used modifiers (e.g. APTES, CPTES, VTES) as well as activating agents (GA, gelatin, EDC and/or NHS) applied to the grafting process are discussed. Moreover, functional groups of enzymes are presented and discussed since they play important roles in the enzyme immobilization via covalent bonding. The enhanced physical, chemical, and catalytical properties of immobilized enzymes are discussed revealing the positive balance between the effectiveness of the immobilization process, preservation of high enzyme activity, its good stability, and relatively low cost.

Immobilization and bioimprinting strategies to enhance the performance in organic medium of the metagenomic lipase LipC12

The present work evaluates the immobilization of LipC12 on different supports in tandem with bioimprinting technique, in order to improve its activity and stability in organic medium. Oleic acid was selected as the bioimprinting molecule. The immobilized LipC12 was applied in the synthesis of pentyl oleate by esterification reaction and in the production of fatty acids, mono, and diglycerides via hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, in n-heptane reaction media. For all immobilized lipase preparations, an increase in the conversion of oleic acid to pentyl oleate was observed when immobilization in tandem with bioimprinting treatment was carried out versus immobilization without bioimprinting. The highest conversions were achieved using LipC12 immobilized on hydrophobic supports. The reuse potential of the immobilized preparations was evaluated. The preparations were used in eight successive cycles of esterification reactions and the best results were obtained for LipC12 immobilized on Immobead 150 and chitosan. The activity for the hydrolysis of soybean oil was improved by bioimprinting treatment only for LipC12 immobilized on commercial polypropylene and Accurel MP-1000. LipC12 immobilized on hydrophilic supports or on Immobead150 could be used to hydrolyze tricaprylin to obtain diglycerides with a high proportion of 1,2-diglycerides in reaction times as short as 30 min.

Candida rugosa lipase immobilized on hydrophobic support Accurel MP 1000 in the synthesis of emollient esters

OBJECTIVES

To immobilize Candida rugosa lipase in Accurel MP 1000 (CRL-AMP) by physical adsorption in organic medium and apply in the synthesis of wax esters dodecanoyl octadecanoate 1 and hexadecanoyl octadecanoate 2 in a heptane medium, as well as evaluating the stability and recyclability of CRL-AMP in six reaction cycles.

RESULTS

The specific activity (A_sp) for CRL-AMP was 200 ± 20 U mg^-1. Its catalytic activity was 1300 ± 100 U g^-1. CRL-AMP was used in the synthesis of esters in heptane medium with a 1:1 acid:alcohol molar ratio at 45 °C and 200 rpm. In synthesis 1, conversion was 62.5 ± 3.9% in 30 min at 10% m v^-1 and 56.9 ± 2.8% in 54 min at 5% m v^-1; while in synthesis 2, conversion was 79.0 ± 3.9% in 24 min at 10% m v^-1, and 46.0 ± 2.4% in 54 min at 5% m v^-1. Reuse tests after six consecutive cycles of reaction showed that the biocatalyst retained approximately 50% of its original activity for both reaction systems.

CONCLUSIONS

CRL-AMP showed a high potential in the production of wax esters, since it started from low enzymatic load and high specific activities and conversions were obtained, in addition to allowing an increase in stability and recyclability of the prepared biocatalyst.

Non-covalent and covalent immobilization of papain onto Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets

Papain was immobilized onto Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets by physical adsorption and physical adsorption combined with covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets were prepared by hydrofluoric acid etching method. The resulting products were well characterized by SEM, BET, XRD, FTIR, XPS. The optimized immobilization conditions are pH 6.5, immobilization time of 20 h, immobilization temperature of 10℃, and 10 mL 2 mg mL^-1 papain, the amount of papain immobilized was 156 mg g^-1, the activity of the immobilized papain determined was 1701 U∙g^-1. The immobilized papain exhibited enhanced pH and temperature endurances, immobilized papain also showed improved storage stability (39.25 % and 65.57 % after 20 days of storage at 4 °C). papain reusability was significantly improved after immobilization and it retained more than 50 % of its initial activity after 5 repeated cycles. Interestingly, the results of immobilized enzymes demonstrated that the immobilization of enzymes on Ti₃C₂ MXene is feasible. Such approach could be transferred to other support systems for anchoring enzyme.

Ternary biogenic silica/magnetite/graphene oxide composite for the hyperactivation of Candida rugosa lipase in the esterification production of ethyl valerate

Oil palm leaves (OPL) silica (SiO₂) can replace the energy-intensive, commercially produced SiO₂. Moreover, the agronomically sourced biogenic SiO₂ is more biocompatible and cost-effective enzyme support, which properties could be improved by the addition of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and graphene oxide (GO) to yield better ternary support to immobilize enzymes, i.e., Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). This study aimed to optimize the Candida rugosa lipase (CRL immobilization onto the ternary OPL-silica-magnetite (Fe₃O₄)-GO (SiO₂/Fe₃O₄/GO) support, for use as biocatalyst for ethyl valerate (EV) production. Notably, this is the first study detailing the CRL/SiO₂/Fe3O4/GO biocatalyst preparation for rapid and high yield production of ethyl valerate (EV). AFM and FESEM micrographs revealed globules of CRL covalently bound to GL-A-SiO₂/Fe₃O₄/GO; similar to Raman and UV-spectroscopy results. FTIR spectra revealed amide bonds at 3478 cm^-1 and 1640 cm^-1 from covalent interactions between CRL and GL-A-SiO₂/Fe₃O₄/GO. Optimum immobilization conditions were 4% (v/v) glutaraldehyde, 8 mg/mL CRL, at 16 h stirring in 150 mM NaCl at 30 °C, offering 24.78 ± 0.26 mg/g protein (specific activity = 65.24 ± 0.88 U/g). The CRL/SiO₂/Fe₃O₄/GO yielded 77.43 ± 1.04 % of EV compared to free CRL (48.75 ± 0.70 %), verifying the suitability of SiO₂/Fe₃O₄/GO to hyperactivate and stabilize CRL for satisfactory EV production.

Chemical and physical Chitosan modification for designing enzymatic industrial biocatalysts: How to choose the best strategy?

Chitosan is one of the most abundant natural polymer worldwide, and due to its inherent characteristics, its use in industrial processes has been extensively explored. Because it is biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, hydrophilic, cheap, and has good physical-chemical stability, it is seen as an excellent alternative for the replacement of synthetic materials in the search for more sustainable production methodologies. Thus being, a possible biotechnological application of Chitosan is as a direct support for enzyme immobilization. However, its applicability is quite specific, and to overcome this issue, alternative pretreatments are required, such as chemical and physical modifications to its structure, enabling its use in a wider array of applications. This review aims to present the topic in detail, by exploring and discussing methods of employment of Chitosan in enzymatic immobilization processes with various enzymes, presenting its advantages and disadvantages, as well as listing possible chemical modifications and combinations with other compounds for formulating an ideal support for this purpose. First, we will present Chitosan emphasizing its characteristics that allow its use as enzyme support. Furthermore, we will discuss possible physicochemical modifications that can be made to Chitosan, mentioning the improvements obtained in each process. These discussions will enable a comprehensive comparison between, and an informed choice of, the best technologies concerning enzyme immobilization and the application conditions of the biocatalyst.

Esterification of residual palm oil using solid acid catalyst derived from rice husk

In this study, carbon-silica based acid catalysts derived from rice husks (RH) were successfully synthesised using microwave (MW) technology. The results showed that MW sulphonation produced Sulphur (S) content of 17.2-18.5 times higher than in raw RH. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed peak at 1035 cm^-1 which corresponded to O˭S˭O stretching of sulphonic (-SO₃H) group. XRD showed sulfonated RH catalysts (SRHCs) have amorphous structure, and through SEM, broadening of the RH voids and also formation of pores is observed. RH600 had the highest surface area of 14.52 m²/g. SRHCs showed high catalytic activity for esterification of oleic acid with methanol with RH600 had the highest initial formation rate (6.33 mmolL^-1min^-1) and yield (97%). The reusability of the catalyst showed gradually dropped yield of product for every recycle, which might be due to leaching of -SO₃H. Finally, esterification of oil recovered from palm oil mill effluent (POME) with methanol achieved a conversion of 87.3% free fatty acids (FFA) into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).

Preparation of Immobilized Lipase on Silica Clay as a Potential Biocatalyst on Synthesis of Biodiesel

Biodiesel offers an important alternative to fossil fuel. In this work, Eversa Transform 2.0 lipase was immobilized onto 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified silica clay (SC) by glutaraldehyde. The characteristics of the functionalized supports and the immobilized lipase were investigated by FTIR, TEM, BET, and XRD. The results show that the optimal conditions of lipase immobilization are as follows: 2% glutaraldehyde concentration, 15 mg/mL lipase concentration and incubating at 25 °C for 60 min. The immobilized lipase showed a high tolerance to temperature and pH variation in comparison to the free lipase. The immobilized lipase on SC was applied as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel from methanol and canola oil. A biodiesel yield of 86% was obtained at a temperature of 45 °C via a three-step methanol addition. A conversion yield of 67% was maintained after reusing the immobilized lipase for five cycles. This work provides a strategy for the preparation of an efficient biocatalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel.

Biochemical characterization of extracellular fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus oryzae IPT-301 immobilized on silica gel for the production of fructooligosaccharides

OBJECTIVE

Extracellular fructosyltransferase (FTase, E.C.2.4.1.9) from Aspergillus oryzae IPT-301 was immobilized on silica gel by adsorption and biochemically characterized aiming at its application in the transfructosylation reaction of sucrose for the production of fructooligossaccarides (FOS).

RESULTS

The transfructosylation activity (A_T) was maximized by the experimental design in function of the reaction pHs and temperatures. The A_T of the immobilized enzyme showed the kinetics behavior described by the Hill model. The immobilized FTase showed reuse capacity for six consecutive reaction cycles and higher pH and thermal stability than the soluble enzyme.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a high potential of application of silica gel as support for FTase immobilization aiming at FOS production.

Lipase From Rhizomucor miehei Immobilized on Magnetic Nanoparticles: Performance in Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester (FAEE) Optimized Production by the Taguchi Method

In this communication, it was evaluated the production of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAAE) from the free fatty acids of babassu oil catalyzed by lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), Fe₃O₄@APTES-RML or RML-MNP for short. MNPs were prepared by co-precipitation coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and used as a support to immobilize RML (immobilization yield: 94.7 ± 1.0%; biocatalyst activity: 341.3 ± 1.2 U_p–NPB/g), which were also activated with glutaraldehyde and then used to immobilize RML (immobilization yield: 91.9 ± 0.2%; biocatalyst activity: 199.6 ± 3.5 U_p–NPB/g). RML-MNP was characterized by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), proving the incorporation and immobilization of RML on the APTES matrix. In addition, the immobilized biocatalyst presented at 60°C a half-life 16–19 times greater than that of the soluble lipase in the pH range 5–10. RML and RML-MNP showed higher activity at pH 7; the immobilized enzyme was more active than the free enzyme in the pH range (5–10) analyzed. For the production of fatty acid ethyl ester, under optimal conditions [40°C, 6 h, 1:1 (FFAs/alcohol)] determined by the Taguchi method, it was possible to obtain conversion of 81.7 ± 0.7% using 5% of RML-MNP.

Environmental impact of lignocellulosic wastes and their effective exploitation as smart carriers - A drive towards greener and eco-friendlier biocatalytic systems

In recent years, lignocellulosic wastes have gathered much attention due to increasing economic, social, environmental apprehensions, global climate change and depleted fossil fuel reserves. The unsuitable management of lignocellulosic materials and related organic wastes poses serious environmental burden and causes pollution. On the other hand, lignocellulosic wastes hold significant economic potential and can be employed as promising catalytic supports because of impressing traits such as surface area, porous structure, and occurrence of many chemical moieties (i.e., carboxyl, amino, thiol, hydroxyl, and phosphate groups). In the current literature, scarce information is available on this important and highly valuable aspect of lignocellulosic wastes as smart carriers for immobilization. Thus, to fulfill this literature gap, herein, an effort has been made to signify the value generation aspects of lignocellulosic wastes. Literature assessment spotlighted that all these waste materials display high potential for immobilizing enzyme because of their low cost, bio-renewable, and sustainable nature. Enzyme immobilization has gained recognition as a highly useful technology to improve enzyme properties such as catalytic stability, performance, and repeatability. The application of carrier-supported biocatalysts has been a theme of considerable research, for the past three decades, in the bio-catalysis field. Nonetheless, the type of support matrix plays a key role in the immobilization process due to its influential impact on the physicochemical characteristics of the as-synthesized biocatalytic system. In the past, an array of various organic, inorganic, and composite materials has been used as carriers to formulate efficient and stable biocatalysts. This review is envisioned to provide recent progress and development on the use of different agricultural wastes (such as coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, corn and rice wastes, and Brewers' spent grain) as support materials for enzyme immobilization. In summary, the effective utilization of lignocellulosic wastes to develop multi-functional biocatalysts is not only economical but also reduce environmental problems of unsuitable management of organic wastes and drive up the application of biocatalytic technology in the industry.

Synthesis of the quinazolinone derivatives using an acid-functionalized magnetic silica heterogeneous catalyst in terms of green chemistry

In this research, the synthesis of the quinazolinone derivatives by the reaction of diaminoglyoxime with anthranilic acid or methyl 2-amino benzoate over an acetic acid-functionalized magnetic silica-based catalyst in water was described. The acetic acid-functionalized catalyst was prepared using a three-step procedure from magnetite NPs that initially coated with a layer of silica through the sol-gel process, modified with an aminosilane layer and functionalized with bromoacetic acid. The catalyst was characterized by means of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, and its activity was investigated for the synthesis of the quinazolinones, bisquinazolinone and oxadiazole quinazolinones obtained from diaminoglyoxime in water at room temperature.

Sustainable Enzymatic Synthesis of a Solketal Ester—Process Optimization and Evaluation of Its Antimicrobial Activity

The present study aims the enzymatic synthesis of solketal palmitate by esterification between solketal and palmitic acid using heptane as solvent. Lipases from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL), Candida rugosa type VII (CRL), and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) were immobilized via interfacial activation on rice husk silica functionalized with triethoxy(octyl)silane (Octyl–SiO2) and used as biocatalysts. A loading of 20–22 mg of lipase/g of support was immobilized independently of the studied enzyme. TLL–Octyl–SiO2 was the most active biocatalyst in oil hydrolysis (656.0 ± 23.9 U/g) and ester synthesis (productivity of 6.8 mmol/min.gbiocat), and it has been chosen for further ester synthesis optimization. The effect of some important parameters such as biocatalyst concentration, reaction temperature and acid:alcohol molar ratio on the reaction has been evaluated using a central composite rotatable design at fixed mechanical stirring (240 rpm) and reaction time (15 min). Subsequently, the effect of reactants concentration and molecular sieve concentration has also been examined. Under optimal conditions (56 °C, acid:alcohol molar ratio of 1:3 with a palmitic acid concentration of 1 M, and 20% wt. of TLL–Octyl–SiO2 per volume of reaction mixture), 83% acid conversion was obtained after 150 min of reaction. The biocatalyst retained 87% of its initial activity after seven successive reaction batches. The product was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Antimicrobial activity studies showed that the synthesized ester demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) between 200 and 400 µg/mL, and bacteriostatic/fungistatic action—minimum microbicial concentration (MMC) > 400 µg/mL.