Developing alternative energy sources to replace traditional fossil fuels have become a very important task due to the limited resources of fossil fuel and to environmental concerns. Biodiesel production by transesterification of oils is an established industrial process involving inorganic base or acid catalysts. The development of processes that use reusable and environmentally friendly catalysts is of significant importance. The feasibility of continuous transesterification of oils in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) by Fusarium solani pisi recombinant cutinase, microencapsulated in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate/isooctane reversed micelles, was investigated. The MBR included a ceramic tubular membrane capable of retaining the enzyme. Promising results of biocatalyst operational stability were attained with a directed evolution cutinase mutant T179C, which demonstrated a higher resistance to the denaturing effect of the anionic surfactant and the alcohol. MBR could operate for more than 28 days and high productivity levels (up to 500 gproduct/(day. genzyme)) were achieved.

Continuous biodiesel production in a cutinase membrane bioreactor

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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