ARS | Publication request: Lipases, industrial uses

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 30, 2007
Publication Date: January 1, 2009
Citation: Hou, C.T., Yuji, S. 2009. Lipases, industrial uses. In: Schaechter, M., Lederberg, J., editors. Encyclopedia of Microbiology, 3rd edition. Elsevier Ltd.p. 385-392.

Technical Abstract: Lipases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of triglycerides to glycerol and fatty acids. Microbial lipases are relatively stable and are capable of catalyzing a variety of reactions; they are potentially of importance for diverse industrial applications. Lipases can be divided generally into the following six groups according to their specific reactions: fatty acid specific; positional specific; alcohol specific; triacylglycerol specific; acylglycerol specific; and stereo and chiral specific lipases. Industrial uses of lipases are described in details in areas such as: hydrolysis of oils and fats; synthesis of esters; transesterification for fragrances, flavors, and cocoa butter substitutes; synthesis of structured lipids for infant formula and neutraceuticals; improve polyunsaturated fatty acids content in fish oil; and enantioresolution of esters for chemical and drug intermediates.