Key challenges and limitations in enzymatic biodiesel production

Biodiesel, composed of methyl or ethyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats, emerged as a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Research into its potential began in the early 1980s, and over the subsequent decades, its production and application have become increasingly established. While industrial-scale biodiesel is predominantly produced through chemical catalysis, enzymatic approaches have attracted considerable attention due to their potential advantages, including milder reaction conditions and the ability to process waste feedstocks. Despite these benefits and extensive research efforts, the industrial implementation of enzymatic biodiesel production remains limited. This review summarizes the current state of enzymatic biodiesel production and highlights the main challenges to its large-scale implementation.