Lipase-catalyzed methanolysis of triricinolein in organic solvent to produce 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein

Lipids. 2003 Nov;38(11):1197-206. doi: 10.1007/s11745-003-1179-5.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find the optimal parameters for lipase-catalyzed methanolysis of triricinolein to produce 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Four different immobilized lipases were tested, Candida antarctica type B (CALB), Rhizomucor miehei (RML), Pseudomonas cepacia (PCL), and Penicillium roquefortii (PRL). n-Hexane and diisopropyl ether (DIPE) were examined as reaction media at three different water activities (a(w)), 0.11, 0.53, and 0.97. The consumption of triricinolein and the formation of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein, methyl ricinoleate, and ricinoleic acid were followed for up to 48 h. PRL gave the highest yield of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Moreover, this lipase showed the highest specificity for the studied reaction, i.e., high selectivity for the reaction with triricinolein but low for 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Recoveries of 93 and 88% DAG were obtained using PRL in DIPE at a(w) of 0.11 and 0.53, respectively. Further, NMR studies showed that a higher purity of the 1,2(2,3)-isomer vs. the 1,3-isomer was achieved at higher a(w) (88% at a(w) = 0.53), compared to lower a(w) (71% at a(w) = 0.11). The DAG obtained was acylated by the DAG acyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana. Therefore, this enzymatic product is a useful enzyme substrate for lipid biosynthesis. Accordingly, the use of PRL in DIPE at a(w) 0.53 is considered optimal for the synthesis of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein from triricinolein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / metabolism
  • Glycerol / metabolism
  • Lipase / metabolism*
  • Lipid Metabolism*
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Ricinus / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Lipids
  • Triglycerides
  • Lipase
  • Glycerol