Mathematical model for stepwise hydrolysis of triolein using Candida rugosa lipase in biphasic oil–water system

A mathematical model describing the triglyceride hydrolysis with lipase was constructed. The stepwise hydrolysis at the oil–water interface based on the Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism and the inhibition by a fatty acid were considered in addition to the differences in the interfacial and bulk concentrations of the enzyme, substrate and product. This model was applied to the experimental results for the triolein hydrolysis using Candida rugosa lipase in the biphasic oil–water system under various operating conditions. In order to discuss the model's advantages, other simple models not considering the inhibition by a fatty acid or Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism were also applied to our experimental results. The present model gave better fitted results and well described the effect of the initial enzyme concentration, the interfacial area and the initial concentrations of triolein and a fatty acid on the entire process of the stepwise triolein hydrolysis. The present model was very effective for predicting the appropriate conditions for the efficient production of the desired product and to provide information which cannot be experimentally obtained.