Enzymatic Synthesis, Surface Activity, Antimicrobial Properties and Biodegradability of Di-and Triglycerol Fatty Acid Esters

Di-and triglycerol fatty acid esters were studied so as to make clarification of enzymatic synthesis, surface activity, detergency, antimicrobial properties and biodegradability. All samples were prepared by transesterification reaction of di-and triglycerol with fatty acid methyl ester using lipase between 50 and 85°C under reduced pressure. Transesterification reactions by lipase depended on enzyme origin, reaction pressure and type of acyl donor, such as free acid, acid anhydride, methyl and vinyl esters. Di-and triglycerol fatty acid monoesters were found to have excellent surface activity in aqueous solution. Diglycerol monododecanoate produced very stable foam compared to conventional nonionics, such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and alkyl β-glucosides. Di-and triglycerol monododecanoate showed the same detergency as that of conventional ether-type nonionics. Diglycerol monododecanoate exhibited antimicrobial activity essentially the same as dodecyl β-D-glucoside. The di-and triglycerol fatty acid esters all readily underwent biodegradation by activated sludge.