PEG-modified lipase immobilized onto NH2-MIL-53 MOF for efficient resolution of 4-fluoromandelic acid enantiomers

A new heterogeneous bio-catalyst was prepared by the immobilization of lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescents (PFL) onto metal-organic frameworks (MOF), NH2-MIL-53(Fe), using covalent cross-linking. The immobilized lipase [PEG-PFL@NH2-MIL-53(Fe)] was firstly applied in enantioselective resolution of 4-fluoromandelic acid (4-FMA) enantiomers. After optimization of the immobilization PFL onto NH2-MIL-53, its loading capacity is 224.5 mg PFL/g MOF. The optimal enzymatic conditions are temperature of 50 °C, VA/4-FMA substrate ratio of 6:1, immobilized lipase loading of 60 mg and reaction time of 12 h. Experimental results show that the catalytic activity and thermal stability of PFL are significantly improved by polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification and immobilization. At 65 °C, the catalytic activity of immobilized lipase retains 86.0% of initial activity. Under the optimal conditions, the excellent results were obtained with conversion of 49.6% and enantiomer excess of 98.0% for the immobilized PFL catalyzed transesterification reaction. Furthermore, the immobilized lipase exhibits excellent cycle stability with 83% of its initial activity after four cycle. [Display omitted] •The activity of Lipase@MOF was significantly improved by PEG modification.•Excellent results have been achieved with conversion of 49.6 and eeS of 98.0%.•The immobilized lipase retained 83% of its initial activity after four cycles.