Lipase as a green and sustainable material for production of levulinate compounds: State of the art

Levulinate compounds are considered as a potential energy chemical and bio-lubricant of the present century due to extraordinary application in fuel blending which improves the performance and efficiency of fuel and engine. The traditional industrial synthesis of levulinate compounds involves the use of hazardous reagents/chemicals and harsh reaction temperature conditions which are considered as non-green methodologies that violate the green and sustainable chemistry principles. The recent literature survey suggested that enzyme (lipase) catalyzed synthesis of levulinate compounds may be a competent solution over the present traditional synthesis. However, there is need of extensive research efforts and reviewing of recent advances in this field to get the proficient synthesis of levulinates through enzyme catalysis. In view of this, the present review article highlights the current state of the art in this field along with major challenges for the proficient enzyme catalyzed scale-up production of levulinate compounds. © 2022