LIPASES

Lipases: Foundations, Applications, and Perspectives, a new volume in the Foundations and Frontiers of Enzymology series, offers a practical, in-depth discussion of lipases and instruction in their use across research and industry. Here, global experts in the field introduce readers to basic lipase biology and the history of the field, interfacial activation and lipase lids, evolving analytical techniques and technology for studying lipases, and a range of lipase applications, from health and drug discovery to biofuels, food, cosmetics, and waste treatment. Lipase sources and production methods discussed include mammalian lipases, microbial lipase production, biomass lipase production, immobilized lipases, and tailor-made recombinant lipases, among other approaches.

Dr. Eliane Cipolatti is a Food Engineer, graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG, Brazil), and holds a Ph.D. in Food Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC, Brazil). As part of her doctoral training, she completed a research internship at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Espanha) in Madrid, Spain, furthering her expertise in enzyme technology and biocatalysis. Currently, she is a Professor at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), where she lectures in the Department of Food Engineering and contributes to the Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering. Her multidisciplinary research is centered on food science and technology, enzyme engineering, and bioprocess development, with an emphasis on sustainable applications. Dr. Cipolatti leads projects on enzyme production through solid-state and submerged fermentation, enzyme immobilization techniques, and the synthesis of bioactive esters. Her studies also encompass the extraction, stabilization, and functional characterization of carotenoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Her current H-index is 22.

A significant part of her work is dedicated to innovating biocatalysis strategies for industrial processes, aiming to enhance the bioavailability and stability of functional compounds from agro-industrial residues, thus promoting circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Débora de Oliveira holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC, Brazil) and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She currently serves as a Permanent Professor in both the Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering and the Postgraduate Program in Food Engineering at UFSC.

With a distinguished academic trajectory, Dr. de Oliveira has authored over 400 scientific articles in leading peer-reviewed journals and has supervised approximately 130 master’s dissertations and doctoral theses, in addition to numerous postdoctoral research projects. Her current H-index is 63.

In recognition of her scientific contributions, she received the Women in Science Award from UFSC in the area of Interdisciplinary, Exact, and Earth Sciences (2023), as well as the Women in Science Award from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Santa Catarina (2023).

Her research expertise lies in Biotechnological Processes, with a primary focus on enzyme production, purification, and immobilization; development of enzymatic processes; synthesis of bio-based compounds for industrial applications; biofuel generation―particularly biodiesel and biohydrogen―and the valorization of industrial residues through biotechnological routes. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to research, development, and innovation in these fields.

Dr. Evelin Manoel is a Brazilian scientist whose work bridges biochemistry, biochemical engineering, and biotechnology, with applications in health, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes. She holds a degree in Biology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and a technical certification in Industrial Chemistry from IFRJ. She completed both her Master’s and PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology, with an emphasis on Biochemical Engineering, at UFRJ’s School of Chemistry.

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Manoel serves as a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at UFRJ’s Institute of Chemistry. She is also actively involved in the Professional Master’s Program at the Faculty of Pharmacy, and contributes to the Graduate Programs in Biochemistry and in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UFRJ.

Her research focuses primarily on lipases and biocatalysis, and spans a wide range of topics including the production of bioactive compounds, enzymatic kinetics, reaction optimization in batch and continuous flow systems, enantiomeric resolution, the use of ionic liquids, and the industrial application of enzymes. Her work reflects a strong commitment to both scientific excellence and practical innovation.

With over 3,250 citations and an h-index of 20, Dr. Manoel’s scientific contributions are well recognized across academic and industrial communities. In 2023, she received the Brazil Women in Chemistry Award, acknowledging not only her research achievements but also her role in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists.