Biodiesel Production from Citrillus colocynthis Oil Using Enzymatic Based Catalytic Reaction and Characterization Studies

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In this investigation, an enzyme catalyzed process was optimized to prepare methyl esters from crude Citrullus colocynthis oil (CCO). Novozym 435 was used to synthesize biodiesel by transesterification of CCO with methanol. Use of tert-butanol as a reaction medium eliminated negative effects caused by excess methanol and formation of glycerol byproduct. Several variables affecting the Citrullus colocynthis methyl ester (CCME) yield including lipase quantity, water content, methanol/oil mole ratio, reaction temperature, reaction medium composition, and reaction time were optimized. A CCME yield of 97.8% was achieved using enzyme catalyzed transesterification of CCO under optimal conditions. CCME also exhibited long-term storage stability and fuel properties within biodiesel standards.