A thermo-alkaline lipase from a new thermophileGeobacillus thermodenitrificansAV-5 with potential application in biodiesel production

BACKGROUND A thermophilic lipase-producing Geobacillus thermodenitrificans strain AV-5 was isolated from the Mushroom Spring of Yellowstone National Park in WY, USA and studied as a source of lipase for transesterification of vegetable oils to biodiesel. RESULTS A maximum activity of 330 U mL−1 was produced on 2% (v/v) waste cooking oil at 50 °C, pH 8, aeration rate of 1 vvm and agitation speed of 400 rpm. However, the higher lipase productivity (14.04 U mL−1 h−1) was found at a volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) value of 18.48 h−1. The partially purified lipase had a molecular weight, temperature and pH optimum of 50 kDa, 65 °C and pH 9, respectively, and was thermo-alkali stable…