Applications of lipases for modification of natural and synthetic materials

Abstract

Lipases (triacylglycerol acyl hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) are naturally occurring enzymes found in the stomach and pancreatic juice. The function of lipase is to digest fats and lipids, so they can be absorbed in the intestines. Lipases can be isolated from many species of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Lipases are one of the important groups of biocatalysts used in biotechnological applications and is mainly used to hydrolyze ester bonds of triacylglycerols (oils and fats) into diglycerides, monoglycerides, fatty acids, and glycerol. Furthermore, lipases catalyze esterification, interesterification, acidolysis, and transesterification reactions. This ability makes lipases a popular choice for potential applications in the industry, such as uses in food, detergents, pharmaceuticals, leather, textiles, cosmetics, paper, and polymers. In addition, lipase has high specificity and selectivity. As a result, these enzymes have practically limitless application possibilities.

This work aims to present the potential of lipases to improve their structures in natural and synthetic materials. This research selected lipase B from Candida Antarctica immobilized on acrylic resin, Lipozyme TL IM, Novozym© 435, and Novozym 51032 to catalyze the reaction. The optimal condition was investigated using statistical methods. The transformation of the material was analyzed using NMR, GC, and MASS spectroscopy techniques.

This study is divided into three parts: In the first part, the fatty acid composition of coconut oil was modified using enzyme-catalyzed interesterification with the aim of obtaining a product more similar to commercial MCT oils. This modification was carried out with the aim of obtaining a product with some of the health benefits shown by MCT oils. The second part, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were enzymatically hydrolyzed into fatty acids. These fatty acids, which have been shown to have potential health benefits, have been utilized for the modification of coconut oil to generate a suitable delivery vehicle for them. The third part, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) from water bottles, was degraded with the help of enzymes. Then, the photooxidative degradation step carried out with the help of an iridium complex as a photocatalyst, would be used to partially degrade the structural integrity of the PET material with the aim of making it more readily susceptible to enzymatic degradation. These enzymes and light will act on PET and end its breakdown into monomeric units, subsequently resulting in this loss of weight.

It is clear from this work that the lipase enzyme has a significant potential as a biocatalyst because it can increase the rates and stereospecificity of reactions. Additionally, they can be reused in a continuous flow process, reducing the cost of production. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the guide application for enzyme improvement, as well as the opportunities and limitations for technological processes.

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