Alkaline lipase from rice bran; Purification. Characterization of and evaluation its potential to use as a bio-detergent

Abstract

Removal of fatty nature stain is a major problem in laundry cleaning. Currently fat containing dirts are removed by saponification at high temperature under high alkaline conditions. The method costs energy as well as lower the texture and quality of textile fabrics. Therefore, there is a need of low temperature active alkaline lipases to save the energy and to maintain the quality of fabrics. Novozyme Company in Denmark, and Genecor International, in India currently produce microbial lipases to use in the detergent industry. Though these commercial lipases stable in alkaline pH, 2-3 wash cycles are needed to obtain a significant removal of lipid stain .Cost production of these enzymes are also high. Hence, their industrial use has been limited. Objective of the paper is to study Purification. Characterization of rice bran lipase and evaluation it?s potential to use as a bio-detergent. Lipase was extracted from rice bran partially purified by DEAE Cellulose chromatography. Its pH stability under alkaline conditions, a temperature kinetics and lipolytic activity towards different lipids were studied. Washing performance tests also carried out to test its potential to remove fatty nature stains. Enzyme showed optimum reactivity at 30-40�C optimum stability around pH 8-10. High lipolytic activity toward all the tested lipids eg. Olive, soybean, sun flower, coconut oil, margarine and butter. Washing performance tests also showed stain caused by coconut oil (1.00ml) can be completely removed by treating the fabric with lipase 1mg/ml at 30�C for 15min. Findings showed that rice bran lipase can be used as a potential candidate in bio-detergent industry.