The ability of Candida rugosa (DSM 2031) to produce lipase using vegetable
oils as carbon source was investigated. The organism grew on glucose, but t
he amount of lipase secreted was significantly less compared to that in veg
etable oils. This study identified a simple substrate for lipase production
and established the utility of sesame oil for increasing the lipase yield.
These vegetable oils can be considered as economically viable substrates f
or lipase production at an industrial scale. The amount of lipase secreted
correlated well with the relative percentage of C18: n fatty acid esters pr
esent in the respective oils.