Enzymatic synthesis of myristyl myristate. Estimation of parameters and optimization of the process

The optimization of the operating variables in the enzymatic synthesis of myristyl myristate ester was carried out by factorial design and analysis of experiments. A fungal lipase from Candida antarctica, E.C. 3.1.1.3 triacylglycerol hydrolase, was used as catalyst. Reaction parameters such as temperature, pressure and initial catalyst concentration were considered as determinant factors in the factorial design. The response considered was ester yield at two hours of reaction. Working pressure was the most significant factor in the esterification process and its influence was negative. Temperature and initial catalyst concentration had positive influences on the process. Depending on the pressure value the influence of the interactions can be more important than that of the other two main effects, temperature and concentration of lipase. Response surface models have been found adequate to represent the ester yield. The results obtained can be considered as a starting point for the future industrial-scale application of this esterification process.