RESUMO

The aim of this study was to produce monolaurin utilizing a commercial immobilized lipase (Lipozyme IM-20; Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) through the direct esterification of lauric acid and glycerol in a solvent-free system. The influence of fatty acid/glycerol molar ratio, temperature, and Lipozyme (IM-20) concentration on the molar fraction of monolaurin were determined using an experimental design. The best conditions employed were 55 degrees C, lauric acid/glycerol molar ratio of 1.0, and 3.0% (w/w) enzyme concentration. The final product, obtained after 6 h of reaction, was 45.5% monolaurin, 26.8% dilaurin, 3.1% trilaurin, and 24.6% lauric acid. The reusability of the enzyme was also studied.

Assuntos

Biotecnologia/métodos , Glicerídeos/biossíntese , Glicerídeos/química , Lauratos/química , Cromatografia Gasosa , Enzimas/química , Enzimas Imobilizadas , Ésteres , Glicerol/química , Ácidos Láuricos/química , Lipase/química , Modelos Teóricos , Monoglicerídeos , Temperatura , Fatores de Tempo