Enantioseparation of (RS)-atenolol with the use of lipases immobilized onto new-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles

The enzymatic method was used for the direct resolution of racemic atenolol. The catalytic activities of commercially available lipases from Candida rugosa (MY and OF) immobilized onto new-synthesized chitosan magnetic nanoparticles [Fe3O4-CS-Et(NH2)2, Fe3O4-CS-Et(NH2)3] in the kinetic resolution of racemic atenolol were compared. The best results were obtained by using Candida rugosa lipase OF immobilized onto Fe3O4-CS-Et(NH2)3. Additionally, the enzyme reusability was investigated. It was established that even after 5 reaction cycles, both lipases from Candida rugosa maintained their high catalytic activities and operational stabilities. This approach is extremely important from an economical point of view, because it allows for a direct cost reduction of the biotransformation.