Biocatalytic epoxidation of α-pinene to oxy-derivatives over cross-linked lipase aggregates

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2016 Source:Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic Author(s): Madalina Tudorache, Andreea Gheorghe, Ana S. Viana, Vasile I. Parvulescu Lipase-based cross-linked aggregates were investigated for a non-specific reaction, i.e. the epoxidation of α-pinene to its oxygenated derivatives. The activity of the biocatalysts has been evaluated in a green context, i.e. ethyl acetate as both acetate-supplier and organic solvent with H2O2/UHP/TBHP as oxidant. Screening of the lipase sources indicated Aspergillus niger lipase as the most efficient biocatalyst for this reaction. Different immobilization protocols ((i) cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA), (ii) cross-linked enzyme aggregates onto magnetic particles (CLEMPA) and (iii) covalent immobilized enzyme (CIE) onto magnetic particles (MP)) were evaluated considering the activity as main parameter. Thus, CLEA and CLEMPA afforded better epoxidation yields of α-pinene towards CIE. The investigated biocatalytic systems allowed to transform α-pinene into oxigenated derivatives with industrial and commercial applications (e.g. α-pinene oxide, camphene, pinanediol and camphonelic aldehyde). FTIR investigations on the biocatalysts revealed the effects of the immobilization protocol on the enzyme secondary-structure. Additionally, textural characterizations were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)...
Source: Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research