The efficient processing of plant-derived oils is foundational to various industries, from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and oleochemicals. At Carst & Walker, we’re committed to advancing this process through innovative solutions like Lipomod® 70MDP from Biocatalysts. This enzyme-based product enhances oil hydrolysis, achieving superior efficiency and purity in the production of free fatty acids and glycerol. Here, we’ll explore the science behind oil hydrolysis, its industrial value and how Lipomod® 70MDP sets a new standard for sustainable and precise lipid modification.

Understanding the value of Oil Hydrolysis

Plant oils are primarily composed of triacylglycerides (TAGs), which consist of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule. Each fatty acid chain features a hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group, and these chains vary in length and saturation. This composition allows plant oils to serve as versatile raw materials in multiple sectors.

In industrial settings, oil hydrolysis is essential for breaking down TAGs into glycerol and free fatty acids. Free fatty acids can then be extracted and used in a wide range of products, from nutritional supplements and cosmetics to detergents and pharmaceuticals. Hydrolysis not only facilitates the separation and recovery of these fatty acids but also produces glycerol as a valuable by-product. Glycerol itself is widely used in the manufacture of resins, plastics, and various other chemicals, making it a crucial component for diverse industrial applications.

The role of Fatty Acid Composition

Fatty acids, the building blocks of TAGs, are categorised based on their saturation:

• Saturated fatty acids (e.g., lauric acid C12:0 and palmitic acid C16:0) contain no double bonds and are typically solid at room temperature.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid C18:1) contain a single double bond, which affects their melting point and stability.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid C18:2 and linolenic acid C18:3) have multiple double bonds, contributing to their liquid state at room temperature and specific functional properties.

The distinct composition of fatty acids in plant oils directly influences their behaviour in hydrolysis reactions and their suitability for specific applications. Lipomod® 70MDP was designed with an optimised blend of lipase activities to handle a wide variety of plant oils, each with its own unique fatty acid profile. This versatility allows Lipomod® 70MDP to achieve high levels of hydrolysis, maximising the release of free fatty acids and the recovery of glycerol for downstream use.

Enhanced Hydrolysis of Plant Oils with Lipomod® 70MDP

Lipolysis, the enzymatic hydrolysis of TAGs, involves the sequential breakdown of ester bonds within the triglyceride molecule. This process begins with the binding of the enzyme – Lipomod® 70MDP – to the triglyceride substrate, initiating the hydrolysis reaction. Lipomod® 70MDP is added to the oil in small amounts (0.01–0.05% weight by weight) in a water-oil emulsion. The reaction mixture is then incubated for 7–20 hours at a controlled temperature of 40–45°C under continuous stirring.

During this stage, the ester bonds in the triglyceride are cleaved in a stepwise fashion, converting triglycerides into diglycerides, monoglycerides, and finally, free fatty acids and glycerol. To halt the reaction and deactivate the enzyme, the solution undergoes thermal treatment at 80°C for approximately 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it stops further enzymatic activity and stabilises the final product mixture.

After the hydrolysis is complete, the solution enters the separation phase. Here, the valuable free fatty acids and glycerol are recovered, ensuring an efficient process that yields high-purity components for use across industries. The precise control offered by Lipomod® 70MDP enables manufacturers to tailor the hydrolysis process to meet the specific needs of their applications, from food-grade ingredients to personal care formulations.

The advantages of Lipase-Catalyzed Hydrolysis

Lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis offers distinct advantages over traditional chemical methods for modifying oils and fats. Lipases, like those in Lipomod® 70MDP, exhibit high substrate specificity, which allows for precise modifications based on the desired product characteristics. In contrast, chemical hydrolysis often requires high temperatures, strong acids or bases and can lead to unwanted side reactions, making the process less efficient and less environmentally friendly.

Lipase-based processes, however, are milder and more sustainable. They operate under controlled conditions with minimal energy input, reducing the environmental footprint of industrial oil modification. Moreover, enzymes are biodegradable and leave no toxic residues, ensuring a cleaner, safer process that aligns with modern sustainability goals.

Applications across various industries

The use of Lipomod® 70MDP opens new possibilities in a range of industries:

• Food Industry: Free fatty acids serve as essential nutrients and flavour compounds. Glycerol is also used as a sweetener, humectant and preservative in various food products.
• Cosmetics: Fatty acids are used in skin care formulations for their moisturising and emollient properties, while glycerol is a popular humectant that retains moisture in skincare products.
• Oleochemicals: Fatty acids are used as intermediates in the production of surfactants, lubricants and other industrial products, while glycerol is widely used in the manufacture of resins, plastics and bio-based chemicals.

Why Lipomod® 70MDP?

By leveraging the unique specificity and efficiency of lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis, Lipomod® 70MDP allows manufacturers to maximise their production yield while minimising waste and energy consumption. Explore the potential of Lipomod® 70MDP for your business and discover how lipase-catalyzed modifications can help you create high-value products across the food, cosmetics and oleochemical industries.

Lipomod® 70MDP from Biocatalysts is available in South Africa from Carst & Walker.