One-step solvent-free production of a spermaceti analogue using commercial immobilized lipases

Abstract

The enzymatic synthesis of fine chemicals is a promising approach to overcome the major problems of the traditional chemical routes and implement eco-friendly and low energy consuming industrial processes. This work introduces for the first time the one-step production of an analogue of the sperm whale’s spermaceti in a vacuum, solvent-free system. With the aim of easing the industrial feasibility of the process, two commercial biocatalysts with appropriate technical properties were tested. Results pointed out that under optimal conditions, both commercial immobilized derivatives (Lipozyme® RM IM and CalB immo Plus) gave excellent results as they can be reused up to 15 batches without a noticeable loss of their activity, obtaining conversions of ~98% in two hours. This green and sustainable process might be economically competitive and leads to a product that meets the all specifications required for its cosmetic use and that can be labeled as “natural”, increasing its added value.