In this paper the catalytic performance of the immobilized lipases was investigated in the presence of calixarene based polymers using different immobilization techniques. For this reason, Candida rugosa lipase was encapsulated in sol-gel matrices using alkoxysilane precursors and calix[n]arene based silica polymers as additives. The hydrolytic activities of encapsulated lipases were evaluated and compared with the free lipase and covalently immobilized lipases (CnP-L). These encapsulated lipases were also used in the kinetic resolution of the R/S-Naproxen methyl ester. The results indicated that the C6P encapsulated lipase has significantly higher conversion and enantiose-lectivity as compared to the free lipase; other encapsulated lipases and CnP-L. The optimal pH and temperature region of the C6P encapsulated lipase in the kinetic resolution of the R/S-naproxen methyl ester were 7.0 and 55 °C. Nevertheless, the encapsulated lipases have good stability, adaptability and reusability in comparison with the free enzyme. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.