Lipase immobilized in microemulsion based organogels (MBGs) as an efficient catalyst for continuous-flow esterification of protected fructose

Abstract

Sugar-based organogels are important esters for the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries due to their intrinsic properties. Chemical routes to obtain these molecules suffer from low yields and undesirable side products. In this way, biocatalysis can be an interesting and efficient alternative, which meets the green chemistry principles. Herein we report our results on the development of a continuous flow process for the production of sugar-based surfactants mediated by immobilized enzymes in microemulsion based organogels, leading to the desired product in high productivities (66.8 to 88.1 g of ester per h per g of lipase).