Enzymatic synthesis of fatty esters Part II. Optimization studies

The synthesis of isopropyl palmitate over an enzymatic catalyst has been developed and optimized following the Factorial Design and Response Surface Methodology. A full two-factorial design has proved effective in the study of the influence of the variables (selected for the present study temperature and enzyme concentration) on the process. The range studied was 62.9 degrees C and 77 degrees C for temperature, and 2.2%wt and 7.83%wt for the catalyst concentration. Catalyst concentration has been found to be the most significant factor on the esterification process and its influence is positive. The Response Surface model obtained, representing the yield on ester, has been found to describe adequately the experimental results obtained. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.