EnzymoCore - Enzymatic Technology

This breakthrough is based on EnzymoCore’s technology platform, consisting of two elements:

• Modification and adaptation of enzymes (lipases) for use in solvent-free systems
• Immobilization of modified enzymes for industrial applications, which is achieved by covalent binding of the enzymes to specific carriers

EnzymoCore’s technology overcomes the major drawbacks of enzyme-based catalysts in biodiesel production:

• Irreversible deactivation of the enzymes
• High cost of the enzymes
• Avoiding the use of solvent to enhance the contact between oil and methanol

The methanol-resistant modified immobilized enzymes developed by EnzymoCore can be used in multiple batch and continuous processes; they are highly active in solvent-free systems, tolerate the use of low-grade and cheap feedstocks of high contents of FFAs and polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids).

The benefits of enzyme catalysts in the production of biodiesel have been known however, their adoption on a commercial scale has not been economically feasible due to their sensitivity to methanol and high temperature.  Cheaper aqueous methanol or ethanol can be used with the same rate of conversion.  The use of aqueous methanol is an added value and allows the process to be cheaper. In the enzymatic process, there is no soap & no caustic formation. Less than tenth of the energy consumed in the chemical process (one kWh per cubic meter) is required in the proposed enzymatic process.  The enzyme provides plant flexibility and it allows expanding the feedstock selection to multi-functional plants working with cheaper feedstocks. True economic benefit of enzymes comes in their ability to handle a variety of inexpensive and high FFAs feedstocks such as brown grease, acid oils, used cooking oil, animal fat, etc.