PEO/GG nanofiber-based lipase immobilization for efficient hydrolysis of selected vegetable oils and industrial biocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering
• Materials Science and Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Enzyme immobilization on nanostructured supports is crucial for improving enzyme performance and stability.
• Electrospun nanofibers offer high surface area and porosity, ideal for enzyme carrier applications.
• Poly(ethylene oxide)/guar gum (PEO/GG) blends present a novel biomaterial for enzyme immobilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize PEO/GG nanofibers for lipase immobilization.
• To optimize immobilization parameters for enhanced enzyme activity and stability.
• To evaluate the performance of immobilized lipase in the hydrolysis of vegetable oils.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of PEO/GG nanofibers with varying PEO concentrations (4%, 5%, 6%).
• Characterization of nanofiber porosity and surface area.
• Optimization of lipase immobilization using glutaraldehyde cross-linking.
• Assessing enzyme stability (thermal, pH, storage) and reusability.
• Hydrolysis of sunflower and soybean oils using immobilized lipase.

Main Results:

• PEO4/GG nanofibers exhibited optimal porosity (28.75%) and surface area (354.16 μm²) for enzyme loading.
• Immobilized lipase demonstrated significantly improved thermal, pH, and storage stability compared to free lipase.
• The immobilized enzyme retained high activity over multiple hydrolysis cycles, indicating excellent operational stability.
• Efficient hydrolysis of vegetable oils, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils, was achieved.

Conclusions:

• PEO4/GG nanofibers, particularly PEO4/GG, serve as a highly effective matrix for lipase immobilization.
• The immobilized lipase exhibits enhanced stability, reusability, and catalytic efficiency for hydrolytic biocatalysis.
• This approach holds significant potential for applications in food processing, environmental remediation, and bio-based industries.