Contribution of response surface design to the synthesis of monoacylglycerols catalyzed by Rhizopus sp. lipase

Abstract

The partially purified lipase from Rhizopus sp was tested as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of monolaurin from lauric acid and glycerol. A central composite rotatable design was applied to optimize the substrate molar ratio and the percentage of molecular sieve for achieving maximum monolaurin yield. The best results were obtained when the molar ratio of substrates was 1:1, the medium contained 100% (w/w) molecular sieve, and the reaction was conducted at 50°C and 200 rpm applying 2 mg of the partially purified lipase. The maximum yield in monolaurin (17.52%) was achieved after a 72-h reaction. © 2005 Institute of Food Technologists.