Biocatalysis combined with physical technologies for development of a green biodiesel process

Biodiesel derived from the transesterification of vegetables oils or animal fats with alcohol is composed of saturated and unsaturated long chain alkylesters. The process has some technical problems that must be resolved to reduce the high cost of operation. Limitation of mass and heat transfers, reaction equilibrium, batch mode operation and product purification affects conversion yield, time of reaction, productivity and energy cost. This paper highlights some recent advances in process innovation for the biodiesel industry to develop a sustainable continuous process, environmentally benign and cost effective. Eco-friendly physical technologies as microwave, ultrasound and membrane reactors and their possible combination have successfully improved the enzymatic transesterification for biodiesel production.