Biocatalytic Synthesis of Polymeric Esters Used as Emulsifiers

Abstract

Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is a polymeric ester widely used as emulsifier in the food industry. In this work, PGPR biocatalytic synthesis was carried out in a onestep solvent-free enzymatic process using lipase CALB immobilized in Lewatit® Monoplus<br /> MP 64 by adsorption. The optimal immobilization conditions were determined: initial<br /> enzyme concentration of 13 mg of Lowry protein per mL phosphate buffer pH 7, and<br /> ricinoleic acid as a support activator. An immobilized derivative with 35.93 ± 4.90 mg of<br /> Lowry protein per g of dry support was obtained. It was used as a catalyst for PGPR<br /> production in open air and vacuum batch reactors, and the results obtained showed that<br /> only when the reaction equilibrium was shifted towards ester production by means of water removal, the PGPR produced fulfilled the European legislation (acid value ≤ 6 mg of KOH per g of product).