Design of biocompatible immobilized Candida rugosa lipase with potential application in food industry

BACKGROUNDBiocatalysts are a promising alternative for the production of natural flavor compounds. Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) is a particularly important biocatalyst owing to its remarkable efficiency in both hydrolysis and synthesis. However, additional stabilization is necessary for successful industrial implementation. This study presents an easy and time-saving method for immobilizing this valuable enzyme on hydroxyapatite (HAP), a biomaterial with high protein-binding capacity. RESULTSTargeted immobilized CRL was obtained in high yield of 98%. Significant lipase stabilization was observed upon immobilization: at 60 degrees C, immobilized lipase (HAP-CRL) retained almost unchanged activity after 3h, while free CRL lost 50% of its initial activity after only 30min. The same trend was observed with tested organic solvents. Methanol and hexane had the most pronounced effect: after 3h, only HAP-CRL was stable and active, while CRL was completely inactivated. The practical value of the prepared catalyst was tested in the synthesis of the aroma ester methyl acetate in hexane. Reaction yields were 2.6 and 52.5% for CRL and HAP-CRL respectively. CONCLUSIONThis research has successfully combined an industrially prominent biocatalyst, CRL, and a biocompatible, environmentally suitable carrier, HAP, into an immobilized preparation with improved catalytic properties. The obtained CRL preparation has excellent potential for the food and flavor industries, major consumers in the global enzyme market. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry