Enzymatic synthesis of coconut oil based wax esters by immobilized lipase EQ3 and commercial lipozyme RMIM

Abstract

Background: Liquid wax esters are widely used in cosmetic as well as pharmaceutical and other industries. The demand of organic and natural products is increasing nowadays. Coconut oil contains benefit fatty acids and has been mainly used for oil-based and moisturizer products. Liquid wax esters from coconut oil and unsaturated fatty alcohol can be synthesized by enzymatic reaction; and it is interesting for using as an alternative natural ingredient in these industries.

Results: Optimal condition for coconut oil based wax ester synthesis by immobilized lipase EQ3 was 10 U of enzyme, temperature at 30°C and molar ratio of coconut oil to oleyl alcohol at 1:3 (mol/mol) (0.33X) dissolved in isooctane for 12 h, while for Lipozyme RM IM optimal condition was 10 U of enzyme, temperature at 45°C and oil/alcohol molar ratio at 1:3 (0.33X) dissolved in isooctane for 3 h. Percentage of wax esters synthesized by both lipases reached more than 88%. Both immobilized lipases catalyzed high yield of wax esters within the 2^nd batch; after that, the immobilized lipases showed reduced activity and synthesized < 60% of wax esters from the 3^rd to 5^th batch. The main composition of wax esters was ~ 48% oleyl laurate with 10% degradation at ~250°C.

Conclusions: The liquid wax ester synthesis by commercial Lipozyme RM IM had higher effect than immobilized lipase EQ3, but both catalysts were stable within 2 batches in the optimum condition. The characteristic properties of wax esters showed potential for use as components in cosmetics and skin care products.