Solvent-Free Enzymatic Synthesis of Dietary Triacylglycerols from Cottonseed Oil in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

Author(s)

Remonatto, Daniela ; Santaella, Nubia ; Lerin, Lindomar Alberto ; Bassan, Juliana Cristina ; Cerri, Marcel Otavio ; de Paula, Ariela Veloso

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 28, n. 14, p. 18-pg., 2023-07-01.

Abstract

The synthesis of structured lipids with nutraceutical applications, such as medium-long-medium (MLM) triacylglycerols, via modification of oils and fats represents a challenge for the food industry. This study aimed to synthesize MLM-type dietary triacylglycerols by enzymatic acidolysis of cottonseed oil and capric acid (C10) catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM (lipase from Rhizomucor miehei) in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). After chemical characterization of the feedstock and hydrodynamic characterization of the reactor, a 22 central composite rotatable design was used to optimize capric acid incorporation. The independent variables were cycle number (20-70) and cottonseed oil/capric acid molar ratio (1:2-1:4). The temperature was set at 45 & DEG;C. The best conditions, namely a 1:4 oil/acid molar ratio and 80 cycles (17.34 h), provided a degree of incorporation of about 40 mol%, as shown by compositional analysis of the modified oil. Lipozyme RM IM showed good operational stability (kd = 2.72 x 10-4 h-1, t1/2 = 2545.78 h), confirming the good reuse capacity of the enzyme in the acidolysis of cottonseed oil with capric acid. It is concluded that an FBR configuration is a promising alternative for the enzymatic synthesis of MLM triacylglycerols. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/09592-1 - Nanoencapsulated bioactive esters: enzymatic synthesis and study of potential antimicrobial
• Grantee: Ariela Veloso de Paula
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08699-7 - Performance improvement in Airlift internal circulation bioreactor through geometric modifications to the inner tube
• Grantee: Marcel Otavio Cerri
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants