Lipase-catalyzed reactions in organic media: competition and applications.

Lipases (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) have been used in organic media for the catalysis of reactions such as hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification. In these conditions it was confirmed that all reactions proceed through an acyl enzyme intermediate in two successive steps: acyl enzyme formation and solvolysis. The competition between two acyl acceptors (acyl donors) for reaction with a donor (acceptor) is described for the first time. A kinetic model is proposed using a competitive factor which is in good accordance with experimental results. The model was used successfully for the prediction of alcohol (acid) separations and resolutions by lipases.