Modification of palm oil by chemical and enzyme catalyzed interesterification

Abstract

In a unique attempt modification of only palm oil has been investigated. Triacylglycerols of palm oil has been randomized by chemical and biochemical means. Chemical randomization was carried out us-ing sodium methoxide (NaOMe: 0.4 to 0.6%, w/w) whereas the biochemical modifications were performed using five different commercial lipases from Amano Enzymes. It was observed that after chemical random-ization (for 15 minutes at 90 °C) using sodium methoxide (0.5%, w/w) catalyst the melting point of refined palm oil has risen from 32.0°C to 40.1°C. Chemical treatments for 15 minutes at 60°C in miscella phase (60%, w/v oil in hexane) using 0.5%, w/v sodium methoxide resulted increase in melting point from 32.0°C to 42.0°C. After enzymatic treatment using lipases it was observed that the melting point may rise from 32.0°C to 38.5°C (in 15 minutes at 45.0°C). All the five enzymes were found to be active in respect of randomization capacity and active at very low concentration 0.004 to 0.010% (w/w). © 2010 by Japan Oil Chemists' Society.