Catalyzing Transformation: Organo-Inorganic Materials Based Immobilized Lipases in the Ongoing Quest for Sustainable Biodiesel Production

The ever-increasing demand for sustainable diesel production, driven by depleting fossil fuel reserves, escalating prices, and environmental concerns has led to an intensive exploration of biodiesel as an alternative. Although chemical catalysis has been a dominant strategy for biodiesel synthesis due to its rapid reaction rates, its limitations in handling low-grade feedstock, susceptibility to product contamination, and high-temperature and pressure demands have prompted a paradigm shift toward lipase catalysis. Lipases, renowned for their ability to function under moderate conditions and prevent product contamination, present an appealing substitute. However, their extensive adoption is hindered by their inherent high cost. To address this challenge, investigators have turned their attention to immobilizing lipases on various support materials, aiming to enhance stability and recyclability and ultimately make lipase-catalyzed biodiesel economically viable on a commercial level. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the raw materials employed, the lipase action mechanism at the interfacial level, and a detailed discussion of the recent works carried out in both traditional and innovative immobilization techniques. The discussion encompasses diverse support materials and factors influencing biodiesel manufacturing, thereby illuminating the dynamic landscape of immobilized lipases in the synthesis of biodiesel. Throughout this paper, our objective is to furnish insights into the current state of the field, pinpoint key challenges, and articulate a roadmap for future research endeavors in the pursuit of sustainable and economically viable biodiesel production.