Lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica: Production, characterization and application as an industrial biocatalyst

Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) is a “non-conventional” yeast that is capable of producing important metabolites. One of the most important products secreted by this microorganism is lipase, a ubiquitous enzyme that has considerable industrial potential and can be used as a biocatalyst in the pharmaceutical, food and environmental industries. This review discusses the efforts that have been made to use YL lipase as an industrial biocatalyst, including enzyme production and recovery. Special attention is given to a compilation of relevant information on enzyme separation and purification, since it is a key step for LYL application, that is not detailed in other reviews in the field. Because immobilized enzymes are preferentially used as commercial lipases, the methods of immobilization are also discussed and important biotechnological applications are addressed.