| Abstract: | Enzymatic Preparation of Solid Fatty Acid Monoglycerides Lipases can be used to synthesize monoglycerides from solid fatty acids and glycerol. We have examined the conditions of such reaction systems with a view to developing a simple technical process. The selectivity of the Penicillium cyclopium and Rhizopus sp. lipases were studied at high rates of fatty acid turnover. By the correct choice of lipase, temperature and water content, the reaction may be steered in the direction of either monoglycerides of diglycerides. Using the Penicillium lipase under narrowly defined reaction conditions a highly selective monoglyceride synthesis is possible. Di glycerides are almost the sole products when using the Rhizopus lipase at 40°C. At 20°C, but under otherwise identical conditions, the main products are monoglycerides. The Penicillium lipase catalyzes the synthesis of monoglycerides at both 20°C and 40°C, provided that the water content of the glycerine is less than 10%. At a glycerol concentration of 80% the selectivity changes such that more diglycerides are formed. The enzymatic synthesis of glycerides can be so regulated that more than 95% of the available fatty acid is incorporated into monoglyceride. After melting the reaction mixture and allowing it to stand for less than an hour, the phases separate and excess glycerol can be separated very simply. A product conforming to industry specifications can then be produced by distilling off the trace amounts of remaining glycerol from the lipid phase. |
