Abstract
The concept of the combi-lipase biocatalyst has been proposed. It is based on the combination of different lipases as biocatalysts in reactions using heterogeneous substrates. The hydrolysis of soybean oil was evaluated as a model substrate, and Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), and Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) were used as biocatalysts. Results showed that, although individually TLL was the most active enzyme, whereas CALB was the less active one, the combination of 80% of RML and 20% of CALB was the best biocatalyst. Reaction parameters were optimized, allowing to obtain more than 80% hydrolysis in 24 h using the combi-lipase, up from less than 50% with any individual lipase. Reusability of the combi-lipase showed that it could be used for at least 15 cycles without any significant decrease. The concept of the combi-biocatalyst might be a useful technology for reactions including full modification of heterogeneous substrates.