Conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase

• DOI: 10.1007/s11746-999-0067-6
• Publication Date: 2007-05-28T14:34:29Z
• Authors: Yuji Shimada; Yomi Watanabe; Taichi Samukawa; Akio Sugihara; Hideo Noda; Hideki Fukuda; Yoshio Tominaga
• Keywords: Candida antarctica; Vegetable oil

Abstract Biodiesel derived from vegetable oils has drawn considerable attention with increasing environmental consciousness. We attempted continuous methanolysis of oil by an enzymatic process. Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase was found to be the most effective for among lipases tested. The enzyme inactivated shaking in a mixture containing more than 1.5 molar equivalents methanol against oil. To fully convert its corresponding methyl esters, at least 3 are needed. Thus, reaction conducted adding stepwise avoid inactivation. first step 30°C 10 h oil/methanol (1:1, mol/mol) and 4% immobilized 130 oscillations/min. After 95% consumed ester formation, second equivalent added continued 14 h. third finally 24 (total time, 48 h). This three‐step process converted 98.4% esters. investigate stability lipase, repeated transferring fresh substrate mixture. As result, conversion maintained even after 50 cycles (100 d).