Glymes as new solvents for lipase activation and biodiesel preparation

► Glymes were found to be compatible with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B. ► The lipase activity and stability were influenced by the structures of glymes. ► Glymes are miscible with triglycerides including soybean oil. ► Glymes improved the lipase tolerance towards methanol. ► A high enzymatic conversion of soybean oil was achieved in glymes.