Lipase and Phospholipase Combination for Biodiesel Production from Crude Soybean Oil

Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters - FAME) can be produced by enzyme-catalyzed hydroesterification, which is suitable for processing low-cost feedstocks with high content of free fatty acids, phospholipids, and moisture. Thus, this work aimed at synthesizing FAME in a one-step process, performing degumming and hydroesterification of non-degummed soybean oil simultaneously, using enzymes as catalyst. The combinations of soluble lipase Eversa (R) Transform 2.0 (NS-40116) and two phospholipases (Lecitase (R) Ultra and Quara (R) LowP) were evaluated in order to obtain high phosphorus removal and FAME conversion. The acidity and bound glycerin contents were monitored during the reactions. By combining 5,000 ppm of NS-40116 and 50 ppm of Quara (R) LowP, almost 95% of phosphorus was removed and 86.23% of FAME yield was obtained at 45 degrees C, 2 wt% of water, 1.5 methanol equivalents in a 72-h process. The results indicated that combining lipase and phospholipase in a one-step process (degumming and hydroesterification) is a promising alternative for biodiesel production from low-cost feedstocks.