Modelling and optimization of ethyl butyrate production catalysed by Rhizopus oryzae lipase

► Commercial Rhizopus oryzae lipase was immobilised in hydrophilic polyurethane foam. ► Commercial R. oryzae lipase was successfully used for ethyl butyrate production. ► Response surface methodology was used to model and optimise ethyl butyrate synthesis. ► Maximum ester production predicted by the model was experimentally confirmed.