ALCOHOLYSIS OF PALM OIL MID-FRACTION BY LIPASE FROM RHIZOPUS-RHIZOPODIFORMIS

A mycelial lipase from Rhizopus rhizopodiformis was prepared in fragme nt form. The lipase was examined to catalyze the alcoholysis of palm o il mid-fraction (PMF) in organic solvents. High percentage conversions of PMF to alkyl esters were achieved when methanol or propanol was us ed as acyl acceptor. Of the two most prevalent fatty acids in PMF, pal mitic acid seemed to be preferred over oleic acid in the formation of methyl and propyl esters. The optimal ratio of oil to methanol in the alcoholysis reaction is 1 to 2 moles. The lipase exhibited high alcoho lysis activities in nonpolar solvents (log P > 2), such as hexane, ben zene, toluene, and heptane. The enzyme showed exceptionally high therm ostability.