Esterification reactions catalyzed by lipases immobilized in organogels: effect of temperature and substrate diffusion

M. ZOUMPANIOTI, P. PARMAKLIS, P. DOMINGUEZ DE MARIA, H. STAMATIS, J.V. SINISTERRA, A. XENAKIS

Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece

Biotransformations Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain

Biological Applications and Technologies Department, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

Abstract

Rhizomucor miehei lipase was immobilized in hydroxy(propylmethyl) cellulose or agar gels containing lecithin or AOT microemulsions. The effect of the diffusion of substrates and products to this catalyst was studied, as well as the effect of temperature on the initial rate of ester synthesis. The composition of the gel affects the reaction rate due to mass transport phenomena. The apparent activation energies were higher for the systems based on agar, independently of the microemulsion used, and lower for the systems based on AOT microemulsions, independently of the polymer used.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10529-008-9734-1