Optimization of biodiesel synthesis from nonedible oil using immobilized bio-support catalysts in jacketed packed bed bioreactor by response surface methodology

Abstract

Abstract The present study has been focussed on biodiesel production from nonedible oil in a jacketed packed bed bioreactor (JPBBR) using immobilized (lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia) biocatalyst under the cleaner production. It has no harmful by products. Experimental data were evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM) integrated desirability functional approach. RSM based on a, 4 factors and 5 levels central composite design (CCD) was employed to obtain the best possible combination which was found to be under the optimized conditions of enzymatic transesterification reactions, i.e. 2-propanol to oil molar ratio_5.93:1, time_24.32 h, enzyme (lipase) loading_9.46% (w/w) and temperature_49.7 °C. The actual experimental yield was 84.58%, which compared well to the maximum predicted value of 83.80% and conversion of biodiesel yield 85.14%. Reusability test shows the bio-support catalyst could retain up to ∼70% of its initial biodiesel yield after 10 cycles. The results showed that the immobilized lipase produced high biodiesel yield after 50 days and retained 78.58%, even after 60 days. This proves the beneficial role at industrial scale.