Amano lipase AK from P. fluorescens was immobilized on different types of chitosan-containing supports. Chitosan lower molecular weight (2.5%), chitosan lower molecular weight/sodium alginate (2.5%/2.5%) and chitosan lower molecular weight/carrageenan (2.5%/2.5%) allowed the highest values of immobilization yields (IY) of 81, 81 and 83%, respectively. Best activity results were achieved using chitosan average molecular weight (5%) and chitosan lower molecular weight/sodium alginate (2.5%/2.5%) as support, with values of 1.40 and 1.30 UpNPB/ggel and with recovery activities of 45.75 and 35.6%, respectively. These derivatives were evaluated in the kinetic resolution of rac-indanol to obtain a key intermediate in the synthesis of a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The most efficient derivatives in the kinetic resolution were lipase immobilized on chitosan average molecular weight (5.0%) and chitosan low molecular weight/sodium alginate, the latter leading to obtaining both (S)-indanol and (R)-indanyl acetate with > 99% ee and 50% conversion.
Keywords: Chitosan; Immobilization; Lipase from pseudomonas fluorescens; rac-indanol.