ARS | Publication request: LIPASES, INDUSTRIAL USES

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Microbiology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: October 30, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

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 four groups according to their specificity in hydrolysis reaction: Substrate specific lipases, Regioselective lipases, Fatty acid specific lipases, and Stereospecific lipases. Industrial uses of lipases are described in detail in areas such as: hydrolysis of tallow for laundry detergent; synthesis of esters; transesterification for fragrances, flavors, and cocoa butter substitutes; Synthesis of structured lipids for infant formula and neutracieuticals; Improve PUFA content in fish oil; and Enantioresolution of esters for chemical and drug intermediates. Many examples are given. The Encyclopedia of Microbiology is intended to serve as a reference book for graduate students and scientists in both academia and industry.