Enzymatic Conversion of Mixed Neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) and Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) Oils into Biolubricants: A Green Biocatalytic Approach
This study focused on optimizing the enzymatic synthesis of biolubricants using a 20% blend of Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) and neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) oils catalyzed by Eversa Transform 2.0. The optimal conditionsthe molar ratio of 1:5 (mol/mol), 10% biocatalyst load, and a reaction time of 48 hachieved a predicted ester conversion of 97%, with experimental validation confirming 92.80 ± 0.03%. Molecular docking demonstrated stable complexes, particularly with decanoic and linoleic acids, showing Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) values below 2.0 Å, indicating minimal conformational changes. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified key esters like 2-ethylhexyl and octyl, which enhance thermal stability, lubricity, and oxidation resistance. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed effective ester formation, corroborating experimental results. Viscosity (2.4511 mm<sup>2</sup>/s) and density (0.84259 g/cm<sup>3</sup>) values aligned with ISO VG 3 (International Organization for Standardization Viscosity Grade) standards, suitable for low-load and low-speed applications.
Authors
- Patrícia Regina Soares de Souza
- Ada Amélia Sanders Lopes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-8595)
- Francisco Simão Neto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8078-4364)
- Frederico Ribeiro do Carmo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0666-2956)
- Paulo Gonçalves de Sousa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0105-1515)
- Rafael Leandro Fernandes Melo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4422-2206)
- José Cleiton Sousa dos Santos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1511-5180)
- Maria Alexsandra de Sousa Rios (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3145-0456)
- Diego Lomonaco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5763-4336)
- Antônio Luthierre Gama Cavalcante (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5457-6521)
- Aluísio Marques da Fonseca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8112-9513)
- Sara Jessica Marciano
- Marcos Carlos de Mattos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4291-5199)
- Patrick da Silva Sousa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9649-4225)
- Raniere Dantas Valença (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5844-5798)
Institutions
- Universidade Federal do Ceará (BR)
- University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (BR)
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá (BR)
- Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ACS Omega
- Published
- 2025-05-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c11707
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Lubricants and Their Additives
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.28
Funders
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior