Application of magnetic nanostructures in biotechnological processes: Biodiesel production using lipase

Magnetic nanostructures have gained a remarkable interest in the last years both for basic research and applied studies. The use of magnetic nanostructures has been proven in biochemistry, biomedicine, and waste treatment among other fields. This broad range of applications is based on the fact that magnetic particles have very large magnetic moments, which allow them to be transported and driven by external magnetic fields. The magnetic nanostructures have also a great potential in biotechnological processes taking into account that they can be utilized as a carrier for enzymes during different biocatalytic transformations. In this way, the biocatalyst can be easily manipulated by a controlled magnetic field allowing it to be located permanently in the zone where the maximum concentration of reagents is present. In this work, some applications are presented. Particularly, the system composed of an immobilized lipase on a magnetic nanostructure for biodiesel production is analyzed. This system makes possible the intensification of the process due to the accomplishment of a reaction-extraction enzymatic process favoring the separation of the products formed during the transesterification reaction. In addition, the magnetic nature of the carrier permits the preferential location of the biocatalyst in the separation surface between the two liquid immiscible phases present in the system. Finally, techniques for the immobilization of different enzymes on magnetic carriers are described. This technology can offer innovative configurations allowing the intensification of enzymatic processes and the reduction of their costs.