Comparative studies on catalytic properties of immobilized lipase on low-cost support matrix for transesterification of pinnai oil

In the present study, we synthesized cost-effective biocatalysts by immobilizing lipase on different low-cost matrixes. The oil obtained from Pinnai (Calophyllum inophyllum) seed, a non-edible feedstock, was used for biodiesel production. The reaction was catalyzed by immobilized lipase. It was found that lipase immobilized on silica aerogel provided highest percentage yield of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) compared to other matrixes. The most significant finding of the research was that the lipase immobilized on silica aerogel showed negligible reduction in FAME yields even after 8 cycles of reuse, thus providing a real, cost-effective option for biodiesel production.