In this paper, immobilized lipase catalyzed biodiesel production from lard was studied. Using Candida sp. 99-125, the effect of temperature, water content, enzyme amount, solvent and three-step methanolysis were investigated. The optimal conditions for processing 1 g of lard were: 0.2 g immobilized lipase, 8 ml n-hexane as solvent, 20% water based on the fat weight, temperature 40 degrees C, and three-step addition of methanol. As a result, the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) yield was 87.4%. The lipase was proved to be stable when used repeatedly for 180 h. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.