Lipase Immobilization Using Ionic Surfactants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for immobilizing lipase on supports with functional amine groups using non-ionic surfactants are inefficient, leading to prolonged drying times and potential damage to the enzyme's activity.

Innovation Solution

The process involves immobilizing lipase on a solid support with functional amine groups in the presence of an ionic surfactant, such as oleic acid, in an aqueous reaction medium, which reduces the drying time of the immobilized lipase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If non-ionic surfactant is used for immobilizing lipase on support with functional amine groups, then the immobilization process can be performed, but the drying time is prolonged and enzyme activity may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying timeVSAvoidenzyme activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter from non-ionic surfactant to ionic surfactant (specifically cationic surfactants like CTAB, CTA, or anionic surfactants like SDS). This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with the amine-functionalized support, enabling faster water removal during drying while preserving enzyme activity through electrostatic interactions rather than hydrophobic interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of prolonged drying (which damages enzyme activity) into a benefit by using ionic surfactants that create strong electrostatic interactions with the amine groups on the support. These interactions facilitate rapid water removal during drying, thus converting the harmful prolonged drying process into a beneficial fast drying process that preserves enzyme activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If conventional immobilization methods are used, then lipase can be attached to the support, but the process is inefficient and requires extended processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surfactant type parameter from non-ionic to ionic, which fundamentally improves the immobilization efficiency. The ionic surfactants create strong electrostatic interactions with the amine-functionalized support, leading to faster and more efficient lipase attachment, thus improving productivity while reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ionic surfactant acts as an intermediary between the lipase and the amine-functionalized support. It mediates the interaction through electrostatic forces, facilitating rapid and efficient immobilization. This intermediary role accelerates the immobilization process, improving productivity without requiring extended processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces the drying time of the immobilized lipase, improving its stability, productivity, and activity, while also offering environmental and commercial benefits through energy savings and shorter production times.

Implementation Method 1

a process of immobilizing a lipase on a support having a functional amine group in the presence of a surface-active material which is an ionic surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

functional amine group which is engaged in interacting with or binding to the lipase and optionally the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4549561A1Process for immobilization of lipases
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 FRUTAROM LTD
  • EP4549561A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4549561A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4549561A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a process for immobilizing a lipase on a solid support, the support containing functional amine group/s, the process comprising a step of contacting the lipase with said support in an aqueous reaction medium in the presence of an ionic surfactant agent. The invention also provides an immobilized lipase prepared by the process, the use of an ionic surfactant in a process for immobilizing a lipase on a solid support, and a method for producing a structured triglycerides product by enzymatic transesterification of an oil source.