Synthesis of mesoporous materials from bamboo leaf ash and catalytic properties of immobilized lipase for hydrolysis of rubber seed oil

Abstract Mesoporous MCM-41 was synthesized via the extraction of silica from bamboo leaf ash and used as a support matrix for the immobilization of lipase to hydrolyze rubber seed oil. The effect of extraction parameters on MCM-41 synthesis was evaluated using Central Composite Design (CCD). More than 85% silica recovery from bamboo leaf ash was obtained for an extractant to ash weight ratio – 1.75 (wt/wt), ultra-sonication time – 8 h and temperature – 80 °C). Lipase from porcine pancreas (triacylglycerol ester hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) was immobilized on the synthesized MCM-41. Approximately 73% hydrolysis was obtained at an immobilized lipase loading of 100 mg and water content – 20v/v % at room temperature (35 °C). Less than 15% reduction in percent hydrolysis of rubber seed oil even after 15 cycles of reuse suggested the effectiveness of the reused catalyst.