Sustainable production of biobased lubricants from vegetable oils and simulated fusel alcohol: Exploring the catalytic performance of lipase immobilized on a magnetic lignin support as biocatalyst

Biobased lubricants represent a promising alternative to conventional fossil-derived lubricants due to their renewable origin, higher biodegradability, and lower environmental impact. In this study, biobased lubricants were synthesized from canola and cottonseed oils through esterification of the corresponding free fatty acids (FFAs) with simulated fusel alcohol (SFO), a byproduct of bioethanol distilleries. The reaction was catalyzed by lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) immobilized onto a lignin-based magnetic support derived from cashew apple bagasse (Lig-Mag_CALB). The influence of reaction temperature, FFAs: SFO molar ratio, and biocatalyst form (free or immobilized) was assessed. Optimal conversions (approx. 72–74%) were achieved for both oil sources under mild conditions using immobilized CALB, with specific productivity values nearly 2.5-fold higher than the free enzyme, highlighting the effect of interfacial activation. The biocatalyst demonstrated operational stability, retaining over 65% of its activity after five reuse cycles, and preserved 86% of its initial activity after 27 days of storage at 4 °C. The resulting fusel esters exhibited physicochemical properties consistent with API Group III and ANP RR-10 standards, confirming their potential as lubricant base oils. These findings highlight the potential of Lig-Mag_CALB as a renewable, reusable, and stable biocatalyst for producing sustainable fusel esters from vegetable oils, supporting the development of efficient biobased lubricants with reduced environmental impact.