Microwave-assisted immobilization of lipase from Candida rugosa on Eupergit® supports

BACKGROUND: Immobilization of lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) from Candida rugosa on Eupergite (R) C and Eupergit (R) C 250L was performed under microwave irradiation in order to reduce immobilization time. Lipase loading, hydrolytic activity, esterification activity and operational stability in organic solvent of immobilized lipase preparation were determined. RESULTS: The microwave-assisted procedure resulted in a 29% lower lipase loadings, compared with immobilized lipase obtained without microwaves. In hydrolytic activity assay, lipase immobilized under microwaves exhibited a 23% higher specific activity. Slight activation of lipase by microwave-assisted immobilization was observed, since specific activity was around 5% higher than for free lipase. Lipase of highest activity was obtained after 2 min immobilization on Eupergit (R) C. The same preparation exhibited high esterification activity in organic medium and a half life of 212 h was determined in multiple use assay. CONCLUSION: The application of microwave irradiation leads to reduction of immobilization time from 2 days to only 2 min. The immobilized lipase obtained has prospects for further application due to its high retained activity and stability. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical industry