Optimization of the enzymatic synthesis of butyl glucoside using response surface methodology

Enzymatic synthesis of butyl glucoside by beta-glucosidase from bitter almo nds was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Empirical model s were developed to describe relationships between the operating variables (temperature, water/butanol volume ratio, glucose concentration, enzyme con centration) and responses (butyl glucoside concentration, conversion yield) . Statistical analysis indicated that the four factors had significant effe cts on the butyl glucoside synthesis. Optimal concentration (41.6 g/L) was reached when the operating conditions were temperature (44.7 degrees C), wa ter/butanol volume ratio (17.6%), glucose concentration (199.2 g/L), and en zyme concentration (2.5 g/L). Good agreement between predicted and measured data at the predicted optimal conditions confirmed the usefulness of the m odel. Synthesis at a laboratory pilot scale was successful.