During recent years many studies have been reported where nanomaterials were utilized to improve the quality and cost of biofuels. A number of reports aimed to expand the catalytic efficiency and long-term durability of the biocatalyst in biofuel production. In this study, we are reporting the novel immobilization strategy of the different fungal derived lipases of variable sn-1,3 specificity on functionalized graphene oxide/ZnxFe1-xFe2O4 composite magnetic nanoparticles (GOZFO-NPs). GOZFO-NPs can be tailor-made with narrow size range (3-12 nm), with high superparamagnetism, high surface area, large surface to volume ratio, and strong adsorption ability. Therefore, better mass transfer, easy recovery, and enhanced operational stability of the immobilized enzyme can be achieved. Our aim is to create a library of the different immobilized lipases based on their substrate specificities and reaction performance in various organic-solvents to produce cost effective biodiesel via transesterification reaction from algal lipids and waste brown grease. We will also employ this system to transform glycerol (the result of biodiesel production is a glycerol glut) into glycerol carbonate and in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure chiral alcohols, acids, and precursors of important pharmaceutical products.

Application of the immobilized lipase on graphene oxide/ZnxFe1-xFe2O4 composite nanoparticles to produce biodiesel in nonaqueous media

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.