Efficient and Stable Magnetic Chitosan-Lipase B from Candida Antarctica Bioconjugates in the Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Heteroarylethanols

Lipase B from Candida antarctica immobilized by covalent binding on sebacoyl-activated chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles proved to be an efficient biocatalyst (49.2-50% conversion in 3-16 h and >96% enantiomeric excess) for the enzymatic kinetic resolution of some racemic heteroarylethanols through transesterification with vinyl acetate. Under optimal conditions (vinyl acetate, n-hexane, 45 degrees C), the biocatalyst remains active after 10 cycles.