The monomolecular film technique previously used to study the kinetics
of lipase hydrolysis was adapted to synthesizing oleoyl glycerides (m
onoolein, diolein, and triolein). The water subphase was replaced by g
lycerol, and a film of oleic acid was initially spread on the glycerol
surface. In this system a recombinant cutinase from Fusarium solani w
as able to catalyze oleoyl glyceride synthesis. More than 50% of the o
leic acid film was acylated after 7 min of reaction. The surface press
ure applied to the monomolecular film acts as a physical selectivity f
actor since glyceride synthesis can be steered so as to produce either
diolein or triolein.