Advances in Applied Physical and Chemical Sciences-A Sustainable Approach - ISBN: 978-93-83083-72-5 204 Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas oil: An enzymatic approach Sumit Nandi 1 , Rupa Bhattacharyya 2 and Sreyoshi Chatterjee 3 1,2 Department of Chemistry, Narula Institute of Technology, 81, Nilgunj Road, Agarpara, Kolkata-700109, West Bengal 3 Department of Mechanical Science, Narula Institute of Technology, 81, Nilgunj Road, Agarpara, Kolkata-700109, West Bengal ABSTRACT Biodiesel is considered as one of the significant alternative energy sources in the future world as an environment friendly, renewable and non toxic fuel. Biodiesel can be produced from different vegetable oils but the most suitable and cost effective source is non edible vegetable oil of the fruits of Jatropha Curcas plant. Productivity of biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas oil through transesterification reaction with methanol depends on molar ratio of oil to methanol, reaction temperature, catalyst concentration and stirrer speed or mixing effect of the reaction system. In the present research investigation, biodiesel is prepared from Jatropha Curcas oil with methanol using non-specific enzyme NS40013 (Candida antarctica) and the effects of reaction parameters on the productivity of biodiesel have been studied. The physical properties such as density, flash point, kinematic viscosity, cloud point and pour point for Jatropha Curcas methyl ester and diesel fuel have been compared. The conformity of results between biodiesel and diesel fuel suggests the use of biodiesel in the engine without any modification. Keywords: Biodiesel, Lipase enzyme, Jatropha Curcas oil, Enzymatic transesterification. 1. INTRODUCTION The depleting condition of world petroleum reserves, recent increase in petroleum prices and concern on the availability of petroleum have generated great interest in alternative source of fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel (BD) may be a promising option as it is obtained by chemical transesterification process from vegetable oils or animal fats and an alcohol and can be used in diesel engines. BD is the only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine. BD can be used alone or mixed with petroleum based diesel in any proportions. It is a renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic fuel. It is also safe to handle and transport as it has a flash point higher than that of petroleum diesel and able to extend engine life because of its superior lubricating properties. BD can be produced from different vegetable oils but the most promising source is the non edible oil of Jatropha Curcas plant. BD from Jatropha Curcas Oil (JCO) does not hamper on food supply.