Optimization of reaction conditions for the production of DAG using immobilized 1,3‐regiospecific lipase lipozyme RM IM

Abstract Oils with a high DAG (1,3‐DAG) content have attracted considerable attention as a healthful food oil component. In this study, we report on the synthesis of 1,3‐DAG from a mixture of FA, constituted largely of oleic and linoleic acids, using an immobilized 1,3‐regioselective lipase from Rhizomucor miehei in a solvent‐free system. The kinetics of 1,3‐DAG production from FA and glycerol were investigated on the basis of a simplified model, taking into consideration the acyl migration reaction, the removal of water, and glycerol dissolution in the oil phase in addition to the esterification reactions. Both the yield of 1,3‐DAG and the purity of DAG were evaluated under a variety of experimental conditions, including reaction temperature, pressure, and amount of enzyme present. When either the reaction temperature or the amount of enzyme used was increased, the 1,3‐DAG production rate increased, but yield remained relatively constant. The 1,3‐DAG yield as well as the purity of DAG gradually decreased because of the enhancement of acyl migration at later stages of the reaction after the 1,3‐DAG concentration reached a maximum. Vacuum was important for attaining high yields of 1,3‐DAG. Under conditions of a high vacuum (1 mm Hg) at 50°C, 1.09 M 1,3‐DAG was produced from 1.29 M glycerol and 2.59 MFA in an 84% yield and in 90% purity.