Esterification Activity of Lipase in Lecithin Microemulsion-based Organogels

Abstract

The esterification of dodecanoic acid with butanol catalyzed by Candida rugosa lipase in lecithin microemulsion-based organogels (MBGs) was investigated as functions of the buffer pH and the gelatin and water concentrations in the gel. Gelatin (Bloom 75) was used as the gelling component of the MBGs. The reaction rate was almost the same level in the buffer pH range of 4.0 to 7.5. The maximal reaction rate was also obtained at a gelatin concentration of 33.5% w/v and a water concentration of 60% v/v. Immobilized lipase was also used in a batch reaction system and its activity was maintained sufficiently for 40 days.