Isolation and Purification of Lipase From Soybean Sprouts for Biodiesel Production

ABSTRACT Soybean ( Glycine max ) sprouts at various germination ages were evaluated as potential lipase sources for enzymatic production of biodiesel (FAME, fatty acid methyl esters). Lipase was extracted using phosphate buffer and partially purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation. Enzyme specific activity was quantified via the hydrolysis of p ‐nitrophenyl palmitate. The purified lipase from 5‐day‐old sprouts exhibited the highest specific activity and catalyzed biodiesel synthesis with conversion yields of 47.8% for stearic acid and 63.0% for oleic acid, indicating a higher affinity toward unsaturated fatty acids. The successful formation of FAME was confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography and FTIR spectroscopy. These findings highlight soybean sprout‐derived lipase as a promising biocatalyst for sustainable biodiesel production.