Preliminary investigations into the synthesis of lipase cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) for hydrolysis of lipid-rich wastewater

Abstract Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) from Rhizopus oryzae lipase (RoL) was prepared using ammonium sulphate and glutaraldehyde as the precipitant and cross-linker respectively. The lipase CLEA was characterized via scanning electron microscopy. Thereafter, the CLEA was utilized in the hydrolysis of lipid-rich wastewater. The purified CLEA could be reused up to five cycles and its catalysis increased free fatty acid levels in wastewater by 84.8% and 142.1% at 0.5% and 1% (w/v) CLEA respectively. RoL CLEA is a unique biocatalyst in treatment of oil-contaminated wastewater. Hence, the possible large-scale remediation of oil-contaminated water bodies using this immobilized enzyme could be exploited.