Biodiesel Production by Lipase in Reversed Micellar Systems

Abstract:

We used Candiada sp. 99-125 lipase in bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) reversed micellar systems to produce biodiesel from soybean oil. We studied the effects of solvent, concentration of AOT, ratio of water and AOT, buffer pH, temperature and rotating speed on the transesterification. Results showed that AOT reversed micellar systems provided a suitable micro-environment for biodiesel production. The optimal parameters were: the ratio of water and AOT 11, AOT concentration 50 mmol/L, temperature 40℃, pH 7, molar ratio of methano and oil 3, and rotating speed 180 r/min. The transesterification rate reached 90% when a 3-step methanolysis protocol was used.