Investigation of Lipozyme TL IM-catalyzed transesterification using ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay

A novel ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for evaluating lipase transesterification activity in organic solvents is described. The model reaction was lipase-catalyzed transesterification between p-nitrophenyl palmitate (pNPP) and n-butanol in n-hexane at 30 °C. The conversion of pNPP to p-nitrophenol was monitored by measuring UV absorbance changes at 310 nm. Seven commercial lipases were tested using this method, and the results were similar to those obtained using gas chromatography. The UV spectrophotometric method was used to investigate the kinetics of the Lipozyme TL IM-catalyzed reaction of pNPP, and the correlation between synthetic activity and biocatalyst concentration was determined. The method was also used to investigate the Lipozyme TL IM-catalyzed transesterification properties, namely solvent effect, acyl acceptor specificity, alcohol tolerance, optimum reaction temperature, and thermostability.

Graphical AbstractA modified p-nitrophenyl palmitate assay for lipase transesterification activity determination in organic solvents was described. On the basis of the method, the transesterification properties of Lipozyme TL IM were determined.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide