Synthesis of Vitamin A Esters by Immobilized Candida sp. Lipase in Organic Media1

Vitamin A ester was synthesized in organic solvents with immobilized lipase from Candida sp. The types of lipases, influences of solvent, the molar ratio of substrates, the reaction temperature and the water activity in the reaction were studied in detail in order to obtain the optimum conditions for Vitamin A palmitate synthesis. In a system of hexane, 100mg immobilized Candida sp. lipase was used in the presence of 1.2mmol vitamin A acetate and 3.6mmol palmitic acid. The yield of vitamin A palmitate reached 81% in 12h at 25°C. The immobilized Candida sp. lipase was prepared by adsorbing Candida sp. fermentation broth on pretreated textile and could be reused for at least six batches.