Enzymatic synthesis of a series of alkyl esters using novozyme 435 in a packed-bed, miniaturized, continuous flow reactor

Using lipase catalysed, enzymatic esterification as a model reaction, we successfully demonstrate the use of miniaturized technology for biocatalytic reactions. Benchmarked against batch reactions, nine alkyl esters have been synthesized effectively, using Novozyme 435 in a pressure driven, packed-bed, miniaturized, continuous flow reactor. In some cases close to 100% ester conversions were obtained. The paper also demonstrates the ability to screen the enzyme for substrate specificity.