Production of lipase from coconut and its application as laundry detergent additive

Abstract

The lipase is an active enzyme and can break large lipid molecules into smaller ones. Lipases can also be used as a laundry detergent additive. They stick on the dirt of the stained cloth and removes the stains easily, thus cutting cost and saving time. Hence, the aim of the study was to extract lipase from coconut and its application as a laundry detergent additive. The enzyme lipase was extracted from coconut source and the ability was assayed. The molecular weight of the enzyme lipase was determined by SDS PAGE. The concentrated enzyme was tested for its ability to remove oily stains from cloth as compared to detergent. The enzyme lipase was extracted from coconut, dialysed and precipitated and it’s optimum temperature and optimum pH where it’s activity is highest were found to be 35°C and 7.5 respectively. The enzyme was partially purified using SDS-PAGE and its molecular weight was also found to lie between 43KDa and 28KDa. The extracted lipase showed a better distaining activity and was efficient in removing oily stains. The extracted lipase can be used as a laundry additive, owing to its stain removal property.