Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vol.158, No.3, 706-721, 2009
Lipase-catalyzed Reactions at Interfaces of Two-phase Systems and Microemulsions
This work describes the influence of two polar lipids, Sn-1/3 and Sn-2 monopalmitin, on the activity of lipase in biphasic systems and in microemulsions. In previous communications, we have shown that Sn-2 monoglycerides can replace Sn-1,3 regiospecific lipases at the oil-water interface, causing a drastically reduced rate of lipolysis. We here demonstrate that even if the lipase is expelled from the interface, it can catalyze esterification of the Sn-2 monoglyceride with fatty acids in both macroscopic oil-water systems and in microemulsions, leading to formation of di- and triglycerides.