Lipolytic activity of enzymes from germinating seeds of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesumum indicum) seeds were germinated for seven days under laboratory conditions and the lipolytic activity of the defatted, dried seedlings was determined. Germination increased the lipolytic activity of sesame seeds and the highest activity was observed on day-4. The lipases of four days germinated sesame seeds were able to hydrolyze mainly the saturated fatty acids from seal blubber oil (SBO). Reaction temperature, incubation period and oil-to-seedling powder ratio had a significant effect on the hydrolysis of saturated fatty acids, thereby concentrating unsaturated (mono- and polyunsaturated) fatty acids of seal blubber oil.