Synthesis of cholesterol-reducing sterol esters by enzymatic catalysis in bio-based solvents or solvent-free

Enzymatic synthesis of a beta-sitosterol ester in bio-based solvents was compared with conventional solvents. Limonene and p-cymene gave higher initial reaction rates than n-hexane, and comparable conversions after 24 hours (similar to 75%). Importantly, a solvent-free system yielded the highest conversion (88%).