Enzymatic reactors for biodiesel synthesis: Present status and future prospects

Abstract

Lipases are being extensively researched for the production of biodiesel as a "silver bullet" in order to avoid the drawbacks of the traditional alkaline transesterification. In this review, we analyzed the main factors involved in the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel, focusing in the choice of the immobilization protocol, and the parameters involved in the choice and configuration of the reactors. An extensive discussion is presented about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of reactor and their mode of operation. The current scenario of the market for enzymatic biodiesel and some future prospects and necessary developments are also briefly presented.

Keywords: Batch reactor; Biodiesel; Continuous reactor; Enzyme immobilization; Lipases.