Lipases in Esterification Reactions: A Review

Main applications of lipases for the production of esters with different structures are analyzed in the review. The effect of nonaqueous media, methods of lipase immobilization, and substrate specificity on enzymatic esterification is described. Implementations of enzymatic esterification reactions under industrial conditions using two configurations of reactors – with fixed or fluidized bed – are reported. Esters obtained by enzymatic catalysis are systematized with respect to their chemical structure. Lipases are shown to be promising for use in the esterification processes aimed to produce esters with different structures and intended for various purposes.