11.2 Lipase-catalyzed interesterification: compositional
profiles at reaction equilibrium
11.2.1 Ester – ester exchange between triacylglycerols with
nonspecific lipases
Ester – ester exchanges between triacylglycerols by chemical methods have been
used industrially for the modification of oils and fats to produce margarine fats
or structured lipids. With the increasing interest in enzyme technology and potential
benefits therefrom, lipase-catalyzed ester – ester exchange has been also studied for
various purposes. The technology is currently under evaluation both technologically
and commercially by many groups and companies.
192 11 Modification of Oils and Fats by Lipase-Catalyzed Interesterification
Figure 1. Reaction schemes for the production of different products using different lipases. Fatty acids:
P, palmitic; O, oleic; St, stearic; L, long-chain fatty acids; M, medium-chain fatty acids; X and Y, fatty
acids; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids; DHA, docosahexaenoic; EPA, eicosapentaenoic; DPA, doco-
sapentaenoic; and 22 : 1, erucic. Other abbreviations: EE, ethyl ester; HMF, human (breast) milk fat; Gly,
glycerol;sn, stereospecific numbering; and R or R*, carbon-hydrogen groups.