Efficient lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ceramide III series compounds in an eco-friendly solvent

Abstract

Ceramide III (CER III) series compounds are essential constituents in cosmetic formulations and dermatological applications. As the cosmetics industry trends toward more sustainable practices, the development of an eco-friendly synthesis method for these vital compounds is increasingly critical. This research introduces a sustainable technique for producing CER III series compounds, using lipase-catalyzed amidation of phytosphingosine with various fatty acid esters or natural oils in an eco-compatible solvent. Through an extensive examination of various lipases and eco-friendly solvents, we first identified Novozym 435 as the most efficient biocatalyst and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as the preferred solvent. This combination established a high-efficiency reaction system for CER III series compounds synthesis. We further optimized the enzymatic conditions - a substrate molar ratio of 1:1, lipase loading at 30 wt%, at 65 °C, which presented an impressive yield of 94 % for ceramide IIIB (CER IIIB). We also investigated the reusability of enzymes in this synthetic system and further extended the scope of acyl donors using natural oils, results indicating the method excellent potentiality in industrial settings. In summary, this study provides a green and efficient pathway for synthesizing CER III series compounds, aligning with the growing eco-conscious trends in cosmetic science and technology.