Selection of Strains Producing Lipase with Transesterification Activity and Its Characterization

Abstract

Abstract:The interest for lipase production is due to the ability of this enzyme to catalyze some reactions, such as the transesterification. Although industrial biodiesel is produced chemically, there are several problems associated with this technology that can be prevented through the use of lipases. The present work aimed to select microorganisms with potential for production of lipase with transesterification activity. The lipase from Burkholderia cepacia was the one with the most promising results for this type of reaction, showing results of hydrolytic activity at 37 °C and pH 8.0. The pH and volume of crude enzyme extract that showed favorable for synthesis of biodiesel is at about pH 6.0 and 3.75 mL, respectively, which represents approximately 42% of water in the system, ensuring the conversion of nearly 60% to biodiesel.