[3S05Aa] 21. Open Topics in Biotechnology - Part 1

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM JST(6:30 AM - 6:45 AM UTC)

[3Open-08] OPEFB Lignin-Coated Magnetic Nanobiocatalysts for Efficient Enzymatic Biodiesel Production

○Filemon Jalu Nusantara Putra¹, Chiaki Ogino¹ (1. Kobe University (Japan))

Keywords:

Biodiesel,Lignin,Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB),Magnetic Nanoparticles,Lipase Immobilization,Biocatalyst recovery

The commercialization of enzymatic biodiesel production is primarily hindered by the high cost and poor recovery of free lipases. Utilizing lignocellulosic agricultural waste as an enzyme support offers a sustainable, closed-loop solution. Herein, we report the synthesis and application of a novel magnetic nanobiocatalyst (Fe₃O₄@Lignin-Lipase) utilizing lignin directly extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB). The core-shell magnetic support was fabricated via a rapid, organic-solvent-free pH-driven precipitation method, wherein OPEFB lignin effectively coated the magnetite nanoparticles. Subsequent activation with glutaraldehyde facilitated the robust covalent immobilization of lipase onto the lignin shell's abundant hydroxyl and phenolic groups. The synthesized nanobiocatalyst was evaluated for enzymatic transesterification. Optimal biodiesel conversion was achieved using a highly efficient 4:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, demonstrating the protective nature of the lignin shell against methanol-induced enzyme denaturation. The superparamagnetic core allowed for instantaneous, centrifuge-free catalyst recovery via an external magnetic field, preserving the structural integrity of the high-surface-area nanoparticles for repeated reuse cycles. This study demonstrates a highly scalable biorefinery approach, successfully integrating OPEFB waste valorization with the design of a resilient, low-cost magnetic biocatalyst for sustainable biodiesel production.