Modification of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the microenvironment of lipase of Candida rugosa by dextrans

Replacing the lactose used in the commercial preparation of lipase from Can dida rugosa by dextrans with different molecular weight, several preparatio ns with enhanced activities in esterification of (R,S)-ibuprofen in organic medium were obtained. The presence of carbohydrates modifies the microenvi ronment of the enzyme and maintains the hydration of the biocatalyst. We ca n modulate the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance on the surface of the biocat alyst creating non covalent enzyme-dextran complexes.