Studies on the synthesis of short-chain geranyl esters catalysed by Fusarium oxysporum esterase in organic solvents

• A novel esterase isolated from Fusarium oxysporum was investigated for the synthesis of short-chain esters of geraniol by alcoholysis and direct esterification reactions in organic solvents. The enzyme was used as a dried powder (i.e., not immobilized). The reaction parameters affecting the enzyme behavior such as the nature of organic solvent and acyl donor, the concentration of substrates and the water activity of the system were studied. High yields (80–90%) were obtained by both approaches (alcoholysis and direct esterification) at low values of water activity (aw=0.11) in n-hexane. The enzyme retain its catalytic activity even after fifth reuse in n-hexane at aw=0.11, demonstrating its stability and efficiency under the conditions of this study.

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)