Synthesis, Biological Activity, and In silico Study of Bioesters Derived from Bixin by the CALB Enzyme

Abstract

Biocatalysis is a branch of biotechnology that aims at the chemical transformation of a compound by using enzymes of known specificity. There are already several studies that use combinations of organic origin and enzymes as catalysts. The enzymatic sources are diverse and can be found in microorganisms, animals, vegetables, or commercial (enzymes isolated). The enzyme Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), of microbial origin, commercially available and with high catalytic activity, can perform esterification reactions, obtaining expressive results. These biocatalytic reactions can contribute to the development of energy products, such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In this context, the present project aims to esterify with the enzyme Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), a natural product known as bixin, a dye extracted from the pericarp of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana L.) to verify its biological properties and in silico evidence of its cholesteric activity.