Immobilized lipase-CLEA aggregates encapsulated in lentikats® as robust biocatalysts for continuous processes in deep eutectic solvents

Abstract

The immobilization of lipases in cross linked aggregates (CLEA) leads to a robust biocatalyst that remains very stable in low viscous non-conventional Deep Eutectic Solvents - Buffer mixtures. To reinforce that stability, and to facilitate the biocatalyst recovery, this paper explores the immobilization of Lipase-CLEA derivatives in Lentikats®. This double immobilization can be successfully used in esterifications in DES-buffer media, using substrates of unpaired solubilities (e.g. benzoic acid and glycerol), in batch and continuous processes, and reaching full conversion. Under these conditions, the derivatives display an improved stability (compared to the Lipase-CLEA derivatives) and enable the reuse of the reaction media in continuous devices for at least 6 cycles under non-optimized conditions, accumulating 10 g product L^-1, enhancing the productivity, and opening exciting future options for sustainable chemistry.

Keywords: CLEA; Continuous biocatalysis; Deep eutectic solvents; LentiKats®; Lipases.