Lipase immobilization on lignocellulosic wastes: innovations for sustainable industrial applications

The increasing demand for sustainable biocatalysts in industrial applications has prompted the exploration of lipase immobilization techniques on lignocellulosic wastes. This doctoral thesis investigates innovative methodologies for the immobilization of lipases on lignocellulosic substrates derived from agricultural residues, with a focus on enhancing enzymatic stability, reusability, and catalytic efficiency. The research begins with a comprehensive characterization of various lignocellulosic materials, assessing their physical and chemical properties that influence lipase binding and activity. Employing advanced immobilization techniques, including covalent bonding and physical adsorption, this study evaluates the effects of different lignocellulosic matrices on lipase performance under varying operational conditions. Subsequent experiments explore the optimization of immobilization parameters on different wastes, revealing significant improvements in lipase temporal, pH, and thermal stability compared to free enzyme forms. The thesis also examines the biotechnological potential of immobilized lipases in diverse applications such as milk cream fats and oil hydrolysis, and the synthesis of diverse alkyl oleates. This research not only provides insights into effective lipase immobilization techniques but also promotes a circular economy by valorizing agricultural by-products, ultimately advancing the field of green chemistry and biotechnology. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable enzyme technology and underscore the importance of lignocellulosic materials in developing eco-friendly industrial processes.