Effect of solvent concentration on enzyme catalysed interesterification of fats

The effects of reduced solvent levels in reaction mixtures for fat interesterification using lipase ( triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) immobilized on diatomaceous earth ( Hyflo Supercel) have been examined. Equal rates of interesterification were achieved in a batch reactor with different solvent levels despite the increased viscosity of the fat mixtures. In packed-bed reactors, however, maintenance of high reaction rates at low solvent levels was adversely affected by viscosity and the consequent distortion of flow characteristics.