Enhanced stability of Candida antarctica lipase B in ionic liquids

The activity and stability of lipase from Candida antarctica were investigated in the kinetic resolution of (R,S)-1-phenylethanol with vinyl acetate using ionic liquids (ILs) as reaction media. Among ILs tested, the highest activity of lipase was observed in [Edmim][$Tf_2N$]. In hydrophobic ILs such as [Edmim][$Tf_2N$], [Emim][$Tf_2N$] and [Pmim] [$PF_6$], lipase could retain its activity after 5 times reuse, while the activity of lipase in hydrophilic ILs and organic solvents was drastically decreased. The activities of lipase in [Edmim][$Tf_2N$], [Emim][$Tf_2N$] and [Pmim][$PF_6$] were also well maintained after 1 day incubation at 80 ℃. The lipase suspended in [Edmim][$Tf_2N$] could be successfully reused 6 times without loss of activity.