Lipase catalyzed acidolysis of lard with capric acid in organic solvent

Enzymatic acidolysis of lard with capric acid was investigated. Of the five lipases that were tested in the initial screening, immobilized lipase TL IM from T. languginosa resulted in the highest incorporation (37.39 mol%) of capric acid into lard. This enzyme was further studied for the effect of enzyme load, organic solvent, substrate ratio, reaction time, temperature and added water. High-performance liquid chromatography analyzed the products from the acidolysis reaction. Enzyme load 5–10% was suitable for the acidolysis of lard with capric acid. Among the solvents tested, solvents with log P > 3 were the best reaction media for the acidolysis of lard with capric acid. Time course study suggests that the incorporation of capric acid into lard was increased up to 37.52 mol% after 24 h. Desirable mole ratio of substrates was 1:2 (lard:capric acid), capric acid incorporation up to 50.14 mol%. Capric acid incorporation was desirable at low temperature (50–55 °C). Optimal amount of added water for maximal capric acid incorporation was in the range of 0–10%.