| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70278 | Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic | 2010 | 6 Pages |
A facile continuous flow-through Candida antarctica lipase B immobilized silica microstructured optical fiber (SMOF) microreactor for application in lipid transformations has been demonstrated herewith. The lipase was immobilized on the amino activated silica fiber using glutaraldehyde as a bifunctional reagent. The immobilized lipase activity in the SMOF was tested calorimetrically by determination of p-nitrophenyl butyrate hydrolysis products. The specific activity of the immobilized lipase was calculated to be 0.91 U/mg. The SMOF microreactor performance was evaluated by using it as a platform for synthesis of butyl laurate from lauric acid and n-butanol in n-hexane and n-heptane at 50 °C, with products identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Different substrate mole ratios were evaluated, with 1:3, lauric acid:n-butanol showing best performance. Remarkably, percentage yields of up to 99% were realized with less than ∼38 s microreactor residence time. In addition, the SMOF microreactor could be reused many times (at least 7 runs) with minimal reduction in the activity of the enzyme. The enzyme stability did not change even with storage of the microreactor in ambient conditions over one month.
Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ A silica microstructured optical fiber (SMOF) microreactor has been demonstrated as a good platform for Candida antarctica lipase B immobilization and for use in lipid transformations. ▶ The SMOF microreactor retained good lipase activity after immobilization. The specific activity of the immobilized lipase was calculated to be 0.91 U/mg. ▶ The SMOF microreactor was demonstrated as a good platform for facile synthesis of butyl laurate with a calculated yield of 99%. ▶ The SMOF microreactor could be reused many times with minimal to no reduction in the activity of the enzyme, even after storage in ambient conditions for over one month.
