Biocatalytic processes for the production of fatty acid esters.

A comparative study of the oleyl oleate production using conventional and enzymatic catalysts has been carried out. The present paper describes the flow diagrams for these processes and compares operation conditions for batch reaction and the downstream proceedings. In addition, continuous and batch processes have been studied. In order to compare the different processes three major points are considered: product properties improvements, operation improvements and improvements on safer and environmental aspects. Experience has shown that biocatalyst is in favour only when most of these issues are far positive for biocatalyst. Enzymatic catalysts involve simpler processes carried out under milder reaction conditions.