Characterization and Application of Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase Obtained by Solid-State Fermentation in the Synthesis of Different Esters Used in the Food Industry.

Yarrowia lipolytica lipase obtained by solid-state fermentation was characterized and applied in the synthesis of esters with commercial value in the food industry. The effect of different conditions on the hydrolysis activity of this biocatalyst was evaluated in the presence of metal ions, solvents, detergents, several pH and temperature parameters, and different substrates. Storage stability was also studied. The solid biocatalyst produced in soybean meal was used in synthesis reactions aiming to produce short-, medium-, and long-chain esters. Results showed that the best fermentation condition to produce the biocatalyst was using soybean oil (3% w/w), moisture content (55% w/v), and inoculum of 2.1 mgg at 28 °C for 14 h. High substrate conversion for ethyl octanoate, cetyl stearate, and stearyl palmitate synthesis was achieved in the presence of non-polar solvents in less than 6 h using a substrate molar ratio of 1:1 at 38 °C with 10-15% (w/v) of biocatalyst. This work showed the high potential of Y. lipolytica lipase to be used in the synthesis of different esters. Also, that it can be considered an attractive and economical process alternative to obtain high-added value products.