PSEUDOMONAS SP LIPASE-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF GERANYL ESTERS BY TRANSESTERIFICATION

Pseudomonas sp. lipase was immobilized by adsorption onto five supports and tested for its ability to synthesize geranyl esters by transesterification using short-chain triacylglycerols as acyl donors. Reaction mixtures were prepared in 2 mL of n-hexane, 0.1 M geraniol, 0.03M triacylglycerol, and 200 units of lipase, and incubated at 30 degrees C and 200 rpm for 24 h. Overall, glass beads were the best support. Geranyl acetate and caproate performed best with Duolite (77.5 and 95.3%, re spectively). Geranyl butyrate and caprylate performed best with polyvinylpyrrolidone, (80.2 and 95.5%, respectively). Values for nonimmobilized enzyme also were obtained. Immobilization improved yields, with geranyl caproate exhibiting best results.