Characterization of the catalytic properties of lipases from plant seeds for the production of concentrated fatty acids from different vegetable oils

The aim of this work is to evaluate the catalytic properties of lipases from castor bean (Ricinus communis), corn (Zea mays), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds for their application in oil hydrolysis to produce concentrated fatty acids. The influence of seeds germination time, pH and temperature in the catalytic activity of the lipases has been studied, together with the activity toward different oils. Among the biocatalysts tested, crude lipase extract from dormant castor bean seeds was the most active in the hydrolysis of oils in the absence of emulsifier agents. This lipase was then selected for the optimization of the hydrolysis reactions using factorial design. Under optimized conditions, complete hydrolysis of babassu, palm and soybean oils was reached after 60, 70 and 80 min of reaction, respectively, at pH 4.5. These results suggest that the use of lipase from dormant castor bean seeds has potential interest for the hydrolysis of different vegetable oils. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.