Production of structured lipids in a packed-bed reactor with Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase

Lipase-catalyzed interesterification between fish oil and medium-chain TAG has been investigated in a packed-bed reactor with a commercially immobilized enzyme. The enzyme, a Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase immobilized on silica by granulation (Lipozyme TL IM; Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), has recently been developed for fat modification. This study focuses on the new characteristics of the lipase in a packed-bed reactor when applied to interesterification of TAG. The degree of reaction was strongly related to the flow rate (residence time) and temperature, whereas formation of hydrolysis by-products (DAG and FFA) were only slightly affected by reaction conditions. The degree of reaction reached equilibrium at 30-40 min residence time, and the most suitable temperature was 60degreesC or higher with respect to the maximal degree of reaction. The lipase was stable in a 2-wk continuous operation without adjustment of water content or activity of the column and the substrate mixture.