LIPASE-CATALYZED ESTERIFICATION OF GLYCEROL AND N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACID CONCENTRATE IN ORGANIC-SOLVENT

Enzymatic synthesis of glycerides from glycerol and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in organic solvent was studied. Optimal conditions for glyceride synthesis by lipases were established. Of the commercially available lipases that were investigated, lipase PS-30 from Psuedomonas sp. and lipase IM-60 from Mucor miehei resulted in the highest extent of esterification. Isooctane and hexane were particularly useful organic solvents in glyceride synthesis The water content in the reaction mixture was of primary importance. For lipase PS-30 and lipase IM-60, optimal water contents were 5 and 1%, respectively. Lipases PS-30 and IM-60 manifested contrasting positional specificities in glyceride synthesis. Glycerides containing predominantly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid can be easily synthesized.