THE IMMOBILIZATION OF LIPASES FOR THE HYDROLYSIS OF FATS AND OILS

Six porous, particulate supports were characterised by electron microscopy and BET analysis and subsequently evaluated as hydrophobic adsorbents for the attachment of lipases for use in oil/fat hydrolysis. A polypropylene based support (CHPP) with the greatest surface area (52.4 m(2) g(-1)) exhibited the highest retention of lipase activity. The suitability of various lipases attached to CHPP for the hydrolysis of beef tallow or olive oil was determined over a range of temperatures and pH values. Larger scale hydrolysis was performed using a packed bed reactor with recycle loop.