Enhanced Activityof Immobilized Lipase by Phosphonium-BasedIonic Liquids Used in the Support Preparation and Immobilization Process

Abstract

Biocatalysis has significant advantages over chemocatalysis in the context of sustainability since environmentally compatible catalysts (enzymes) and mild reaction conditions are used. However, enzymes are labile macromolecules, and strategies such as the addition of cosolvents or additives or their immobilization in solid supports are the target of intensive investigation to improve the catalytic performance and recyclability potential. In this work, we investigated the use of phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) on the activity of immobilized Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) by two approaches: (i) use of ILs to prepare silica used as support and (ii) use of ILs during the enzyme immobilization process. Several phosphonium-based ILs were investigated, allowing us to address the cation alkyl side chain and anion nature effects. The enzymatic performance depends on the IL employed to prepare silica, with a positive effect observed when employing ILs comprising cations with longer alkyl side chains and mo...