Esterification using mycelium - bound lipases from A. niger MYA 135

ROMERO, CINTIA MARIANA; PERA, LICIA MARÍA; BAIGORI, MARIO DOMINGO

Huerta Grande, Córdoba

Jornada; I annual Scientific Meeting of Argentina Biology Societies; 2007

Argentina Biology Society, Tucumán Biology Society, Cuyo Biology Society, Rosario Biology Society, Córdoba biology Society

Introduction: Lipases-catalyzed esterifications produce various esters of important commercial values. Recently, we reported that mycelium-bound lipases from A. niger MYA 135 catalyze hydrolysis and transesterification reactions. Objetive: To investigate the capability of mycelium-bound lipases from A. niger MYA 135 of catalyzing esterifications in organic system. Materials and methods: Reactions were performed as batch process in n-hexane containing: acetic, caprylic, caproic, palmitic or linoleic acid; and methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, hexanol, glucose or sucrose. The reaction products were analyzed by TLC. Those reactions showing spots with Rf values significantly different from the respective controls were selected (ANOVA, TUKEY test). Result and discussion: From a set of 59 systems, 38 gave a positive ester formation. Thus, it has been demonstrated that mycelium-bound lipase could catalyzed esterification reactions. Methyl and ethyl esters of long-chain fatty acids were produced. These are valuable oleochemicals that may be used as replacements for diesel fuel. Long-chain esters that are derived from fatty acids and alcohols both with different chain length have potentials applications as lubricants and cosmetics. Acknowledgments: PICTO-UNT 761and PIP 6062.