STUDIES ON THE POSITIONAL SPECIFICITY OF LIPASE FROM MUCOR-MIEHEI DURING INTERESTERIFICATION REACTIONS OF COD LIVER OIL WITH N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACID AND ETHYL-ESTER CONCENTRATES

Lipozyme, a lipase preparation from Mucor miehei, is 1,3 specific in the interesterification of cod liver oil and fatty acid and ethyl ester concentrates of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in organic media. Randomization of the fatty acid distribution in the mid-position of the glycerol moiety of triglycerides in cod liver oil occurs as a result of slow acyl migration processes. Acyl migration seems to be rate-determining in the attainment of a final equilibrium of fatty acid composition in triglycerides. This is especially apparent when fatty acid concentrates are used.