Immobilization of Rhizomucor miehei lipase onto the organic functionalized SBA-15: Their enzymatic properties and glycerolysis efficiencies for diacylglycerols production

In this study, mesoporous silica SBA-15 was modified by organic functional groups through silanization. Series of organosilane compounds were grafted onto the SBA-15, and the obtained functionalized carriers were then used to immobilize the lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML). The enzymatic properties of the obtained immobilized RML samples were evaluated, and the catalytic efficiencies in glycerolysis of triacylglycerols (TAG) reaction were studied. Compared with the parent SBA-15 immobilized RML, the organic modification gave a maximum improvement of enzymatic activity from 200.00 to 13211.11 U/g; in addition, TAG conversion and diacylglycerols (DAG) content increased from 21.28 to 84.24% and 15.45 to 59.03% respectively. The organic modification also decreased the sensitivity of immobilized RML in extreme pH values and increased their thermostability.