Using factorial experimental design to optimize biocatalytic biodiesel production from Mucor Miehei Lipase immobilized onto ordered mesoporous materials
C. Carteret, J. Jacoby, J.L. Blin
Index: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2018.04.004
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Abstract
A supported biocatalyst was prepared by immobilization of Mucor miehei lipase onto mesoporous silica materials. This material was used for the synthesis of biodiesel through the transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol. The process of biodiesel production was optimized by application of the factorial design methodology. Methanol to oil molar ratio, water addition, reaction temperature and biocatalyst content were chosen as the variables and the response selected was the yield of esterification. Oil/methanol ratio was found to have the strongest influence on conversion, a low ratio is more favorable. To increase the enzyme activity water has to be added. However excess of water favors the hydrolysis reaction. The temperature has a slight influence. The optimal conditions for the transesterification are: reaction temperature of 24 °C, alcohol/oil molar ratio of 1:1, and water content of 2.5% w/w. Under these reaction conditions the methanol is totally consumed and around a third of the triglycerides are converted. Nearly 100% of the oil was converted to methyl esters with incremental additions of methanol (three increments of methanol at regular time).