Identifying Lipase in the Byproducts of Oranges

Students: Jordan Hume, Nadia Gabel, Aleia Bandy

Faculty Mentor: Monica Lares

Chemistry

College of Science, Technology, and Business

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol. It was selected for its potential to aid individuals with fat digestion issues using a natural source: baked orange peel. This study aimed to isolate and purify lipase from orange byproducts through a multi-step process. Initial centrifugation removed solid debris to yield a crude extract. The enzyme was then concentrated via ammonium sulfate precipitation, and the resulting protein fraction was further purified using column chromatography. P-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) was used to monitor enzyme activity and assess purification efficiency. The lipase activity was assayed by the release of butyrate from p-NPB, confirming the successful enrichment of the enzyme at each stage.