Production of Biodiesel Using Soybean Oil Catalyzed by Porcine Pancreas Lipase in a Solvent Free System

Abstract: The aim of present research was to demonstrate the ability of porcine pancreas lipase as catalyst in transesterification reaction of soybean oil with methanol for biodiesel fuel production. The effect of reaction parameters including methanol/oil molar ratio, lipase amount, reaction time, stirring rate and reaction temperature on transesterification was investigated. The biodiesel yield was more than 34.1 % in a solvent-free system under optimal reaction conditions. The optimal conditions of reaction including molar ratio of methanol to oil, reaction temperature, the amount of catalyst (based on oil weight) and stirring rate were 3: 1, 45°C, 5 % and 180 rpm, respectively. After 72 h of transesterification reaction under optimal conditions, maximum oil conversion to methyl esters was obtained. Key words: Biodiesel % Lipase % Transesterification % Soybean oil % Solvent free INTRODUCTION reaction. The main benefits of applying lipases are Limitation of common fossil fuel resources and rising yield in non-aqueous media, low reaction time, reusability price of crude oil as well as concern over environmental of immobilized enzyme and temperature resistance [3]. restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions have led to an Some studies have been conducted using immobilized urgent need to develop alternative fuels such as biofuels. lipases such as Novozym 435 [4] and Lipozyme TL IM [5]