Continuous interesterification of butteroil and conjugated linoleic acid in a tubular reactor packed with an immobilized lipase

Modified milkfats were produced via interesterification (acidolysis) reactions of butteroil and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in a packed bed reactor containing an immobilized lipase preparation from Candida antarctica. The rate expression for the interesterification reaction is of the generalized Michaelis-Menten form. Significant enrichment of butteroil in CLA residues was accomplished at reactor space times (fluid residence times) of 2-4 h at 40-60 degrees C, but the optimum operating temperature was ca. 50 degrees C. Approximately 80-90% of the free CLA fed to the reactor can be converted to its esterified form.