Improved activity and stability of Rhizopus oryzae lipase via immobilization for citronellol ester synthesis in supercritical carbon dioxide

► HPMC-PVA immobilization has increased activity of R. oryzae lipase in Sc-CO2. ► Influence of various reaction parameters on citronellol ester synthesis was studied. ► Synthesis of industrially important citronellol esters was successfully achieved. ► The immobilized lipase was effectively recycled for three consecutive cycles. ► FT-IR study revealed the high stability of lipase under Sc-CO2 conditions.