CHARACTERIZATION OF LECITHIN-BASED MICROEMULSIONS USED AS MEDIA FOR ACHOLESTEROL OXIDASE-CATALYZED REACTION

Microemulsions stabilized by soybean lecithin and ethanol have been ch aracterized with respect to phase behavior, distribution of the ethano l cosolvent, conductivities, viscosities, and volume fractions of the different phases in Winsor III systems. The conductivities and viscosi ties of the surfactant-rich phase in the Winsor III system indicate th at this phase exhibits a bicontinuous structure. The reaction yield at 298.2 K for the enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to cholestenone b y cholesterol oxidase performed in a Winsor III system containing wate r, lecithin, hexadecane, and ethanol is low.