Strategies to inhibit the lipid oxidation in the enzymatic synthesis of monoglycerides by glycerolysis of Babassu oil - doi: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v35i3.14187

Abstract

Different strategies to avoid the lipid feedstock oxidation in the enzymatic synthesis of monoglycerides (MAG) from glycerolysis of babassu oil were tested. The reactions were catalyzed by Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilized on SiO₂-PVA and the tests carried out in batchwise. The best strategy was tested in a continuous packed-bed reactor. Different antioxidants and emulsifiers were used, including: Buthyl-hydroxy-toluene (BHT), tocopherol, soy lecithin and Triton X-100. The influence of inert atmosphere (N₂) on the MAG production was also investigated. Results were compared with those attaining in the control reaction. The best performance was obtained using N₂ in the reaction medium, preventing the oxidation of babassu oil. MAG concentrations were 60 and 24% in batch and continuous mode, respectively. Among the tested antioxidant and emulsifying agents, only soy lecithin was found to be efficient but its application showed limit performance to be used in continuous runs.