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Abstract
The work evaluated the use of a bioreactor for the enzymatic transesterification of oilseed. Rhizopus oryzae resting-cells, isolated from Foeniculum vulgare Fennel, were used as a biocatalyst. The bioreactor consisted of two glass-jacketed flasks, interconnected by a circuit using isooctane as a solvent, which was recirculated with the help of a peristaltic pump. The system enabled the extraction and hydrolysis of triacylglycerides (TAG), and the subsequent esterification of the free fatty acids formed (FFA). Esterification was carried out by the addition of alcohol using a peristaltic pump. This reactive extraction of vegetable oil was optimized for sunflower seeds using 4-hydroxymethyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (solketal) as alcohol. Subsequently, a variety of oil seeds and alcohols were tested. Final ester conversions ranged from 84 to 98% depending on the alcohol and the oilseed used.