Lipase immobilization on biodegradable film with sericin

An ecofriendly and low‐cost film composed by cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and sericin blend (CS–PVA–SS) was synthesized, characterized, and applied as a novel support for Botryosphaeria ribis EC‐01 lipase immobilization by enzyme–film–enzyme adsorption. Film revealed thickness between 230 and 309 μm and higher flexibility and malleability in comparison with film without SS. Based on p‐nitrophenyl palmitate hydrolysis reaction, the activity retention of immobilized lipase was 987%. For optimal conditions, the yield in ethyl oleate was 95% for immobilized enzyme. Maximum yield was obtained at 49°C, molar ratio oleic acid:ethanol of 1:3, 1.25 g lipase film or 50 U (1.03 ± 0.03 mg protein) and 30 h. Even after seven cycles of use, immobilized lipase showed 52% reduction in ester yield. Biodegradable and biorenewable film is a promising material as a support to immobilize lipases and application in biocatalysis.