Lipase catalysis of α‐linolenic acid‐rich medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols from perilla oil and medium‐chain triacylglycerols with reduced by‐products

Abstract BACKGROUND Medium‐ and long‐ chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) are functional structural lipids that can provide the human body with essential fatty acids and a faster energy supply. This study aimed to prepare MLCTs rich in α ‐linolenic by enzymatic interesterification of perilla oil and medium‐chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM, Lipozyme TL IM, Lipozyme 435, and Novozyme 435 respectively. RESULTS The effects of lipase loading, concentration of MCTs, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the yield of MLCTs were investigated. It was found that the reaction achieved more than a 70% yield of MLCTs in triacylglycerols under the conditions of 400 g kg −1 MCTs and 60 g kg −1 lipase loading after equilibrium. A novel two‐stage deodorization was also applied to purify the interesterification products. The triacylglycerols reach over 97% purity in the products with significant removal ( P < 0.05) of the free fatty acids, and the trans fatty acids were strictly controlled at below 1%. There was more than 40% α ‐linolenic in the purified products, with long‐chain fatty acids mostly occupying the desired sn ‐2 position in acylglycerols, which are more active in hydrolysis. CONCLUSION A series of novel α ‐linolenic acid‐rich medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols was prepared. Under appropriate reaction conditions, the yield of MLCTs in triacylglycerols was above 70%. A novel two‐stage deodorization can be used to promote the elimination of free fatty acids and limit the generation of trans fatty acids. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry