Synthesis of acylglycerols from ω−3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid isomers

n−3 PUFA (ω−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) concentrate from mackerel oil enriched in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) was used to esterify isomers of CLA (conjuated linoleic acid) to produce acylglycerols (glycerides). Catalysis was potentiated by immobilized lipases from the yeast Candida antarctica and the mould Mucor miehei. C. antarctica lipase showed higher reactivity and much faster initial rate of incorporation of CLA into acylglycerols than its M. miehei counterpart. Synthesis with molecular sieves also achieved a better rate of incorporation of fatty acids into acylglycerols than using vacuum or systems without water removal. Esterification achieved at 40 °C with C. antarctica lipase was significantly different from that achieved at 60 or 50 °C. However, there was no significant (P