Immobilization of lipase on a ceramic membrane: activity and stability

Candida antarctica lipase B was immobilized on a ceramic membrane following an original procedure: enzyme is covalently attached to a polymer layer (gelatine/polyethylene imine) previously adsorbed on a ceramic membrane with glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. The membrane obtained was placed in a membrane reactor where two model reactions were studied: hydrolysis of butyl acetate in water and butyl laurate synthesis from butyl acetate and lauric acid in an organic solvent. Reproducibility of membrane elaboration and activity measurements were proved and it was verified that the storage procedure did not affect enzymatic activity.