SURFACTANT-MODIFIED LIPASE FOR THE CATALYSIS OF THE INTERESTERIFICATION OF TRIGLYCERIDES AND FATTY-ACIDS

The lipase-catalyzed interesterification of triglycerides and fatty acids in n-hexane was studied. Initially, lipase Saiken was modified with a surfactant of sorbitan esters so that its dispersibility in hydrophobic organic media was improved. The surfactant-modified lipase formed in the modification process carried out in a buffer solution has 1,3-positional specificity and predominantly catalyzed the interesterification reaction in a microaqueous n-hexane system. The modification technique converted inactive lipases to very active biocatalysts for the interesterification of triglycerides and fatty acids. The pH and the weight ratio of surfactant to enzyme used during the lipase modification process have shown significant effects in determining the recoveries of the protein and enzyme activity from the buffer solution, the protein content of the modified lipase complex after being freeze dried, and the interesterification activity of the complex. The water content in the reaction solution has strongly influenced the enzyme activity as well as the distribution of the products. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.