LIPASE-CATALYZED MODIFICATION OF MILKFAT

Decreasing consumption of high fat milk and dairy products is driving the dairy industry to seek other uses for increasing surplus of milkfa t. Enzyme catalyzed modification of milkfat using lipases is receiving particular attention. This review examines lipase-mediated modificati on of milkfat. Especial attention is given to industrial applications of lipases for producing structured and modified milkfat for improved physical properties and digestibility, reduced caloric value, and flav or enhancement. Features associated with reactions such as hydrolysis, transesterification, alcoholysis and acidolysis are presented with em phasis on industrial feasibility, marketability and environmental conc erns. Future prospects for enzyme catalyzed modification of milk fat a re discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.