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® Transform 2.0 (NS-40116) and two phospholipases (Lecitase® Ultra and Quara® 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® LowP, almost 95% of phosphorus was removed and 86.23% of FAME yield was obtained at 45 °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.