PRODUCTION OF BIOSURFACTANT FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS AND NATURAL TRIGLYCERIDES BY ASPERGILLUS-TERREUS LIPASE

Lipase from Aspergillus terreus catalyzes trans-esterification between sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol) and various oils in dry pyridine. The product is a primary monoester of sugar alcohol and fatty acid. The results reveal that all the seven oils and pig fat cou ld be converted to their respective sugar monoesters. The highest yiel d of monoester was obtained with coconut oil (0.75 g) followed by sunf lower oil, and pig fat. The same reaction was also performed between c oconut oil and sorbitol or mannitol or xylitol in pyridine or toluene or acetone. The maximum yield of monoester was obtained with sorbitol in pyridine. The monoester produced has excellent surfactant propertie s in terms of its ability to reduce interfacial and surface tension. T his monoester also stabilizes the water-xylene emulsion.