Lipase-catalyzed ester exchange reactions in organic media with controlled humidity.

Immobilized lipase activity is studied in organic solvent systems of controlled water content under the influence of a variety of reaction parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity, substrate concentrations, and type of fatty acid used. Control of the amount of water in the reaction system was found to be a valuable tool for the orientation of the reaction process and for the determination of the final reaction products. The properties of the immobilized lipase were studied using the interesterification of triolein and palmitic acid as the model system.