Implementation of Biodiesel Production Process Using Enzyme‐Catalyzed Routes

Biodiesel is a renewable liquid biofuel based on fatty acid esters produced as a substitute to the use of mineral diesel. It can be applied as a pure fuel or as a blend with oil-based diesel. Transesterification is the most common method implemented in the industrial sector to produce biodiesel. Enzyme-catalyzed transesterification of castor oil has only been investigated to a limited extent and still requires further studies. The transesterification can be carried out by various forms of catalysts, including acids, alkalis, and enzymes, or undersupercritical conditions with no addition of catalyst. Transesterification reactions are conventionally catalyzed by chemicals i.e. alkali and acid catalysts. This chapter discusses the optimal reaction conditions and the kinetic modeling in biodiesel production routes catalyzed by liquid enzymes. It includes details of process simulation and economic evaluation of this type of transformation route, including the reuse of the enzymes.