Epoxidation of oleic acid catalyzed by PSCI-Amano lipase optimized by experimental design

The present work focuses on the oleic acid epoxide production by using PSCI Amano Lipase as biocatalyst in the reaction. An experimental design (central composite design – CCD) adopting surface response was applied to this purpose. Reactions were performed in a shaker equipment and different variables were investigated, such as temperature (25–55 °C), enzyme load (10–20 wt% of oleic acid mass), hydrogen peroxide load (0.1–0.2%) and reaction time. PSCI-Amano enzyme showed its best behavior as biocatalyst after 3 h of reaction at 55 °C, 10% enzyme load, 0.2% hydrogen peroxide and, applying 150 rpm as stirring. On these conditions, the epoxide yield was around 88%.

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► We proposed oleic acid epoxidation by PSCI-Amano lipase under shaking to obtain epoxystearic acid.
► Experimental design (central composite design) surface response was applied.
► We considered temperature, enzyme content, peroxide concentration.
► Good yields were achieved in shorter enzyme load and higher temperature.
► Mathematic model proposed suggested a satisfactorily representation of the process.