Lipase-catalyzed interesterification of triglycerides in a solvent-free process. I. Analytics and kinetics of the interesterification

: Bauer, W.; Luck, T.

Abstract
The interesterification of lipids catalyzed by immobilized lipases is an interesting substitute to the chemical interesterification. Studies using an industrial-manufactured biocatalyst in a solvent-free process were performed. The kinetics of the interesterification were examined as a function of temperature and water content of the reaction system. The reaction rate of the interesterification can be described with reversible first order reaction kinetics. A part of the triglycerides of the substrate is hydrolyzed by a lipasecatalyzed lipolysis. Hydrolysis products are 1,2(2,3) and 1,3-diglycerides. This shows that an unspecific interesterification is catalyzed if the residence time is extended.