Comparison of the esterification of fructose and palmitic acid in organic solvent and in supercritical carbon dioxide

Sugar fatty acid esters are nonionic surfactants, which are used for personal care products, cosmetic applications, and as emulsifiers for food. In recent years, enzymatic synthesis of sugar fatty acid esters is attracting keen attention as a new manufacturing method for future application. Reaction parameters of lipase-catalyzed synthesis of fructose fatty acid esters in organic solvent were optimized in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure. Optimum conditions for reaction performed in organic solvent at atmospheric pressure were 10% (w/w of substrates) of lipase from Candida antarctica B, 12.14% (w/w of reaction mixture) of molecular sieves at 60 degrees C, and stirring rate of 600 rpm. Esterification of fructose and palmitic acid was performed in supercritical carbon dioxide with and without addition of cosolvent (organic solvent) at 60 degrees C. Effect of pressure on enzyme activity was studied.