Synthesis of DHA ‐Enriched Triacylglycerol via Lipase‐Catalyzed Esterification

ABSTRACT Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐enriched triacylglycerol (TAG) was successfully synthesized from DHA‐enriched fatty acids with glycerol via enzyme‐catalyzed esterification under vacuum conditions. Lipozyme 435 from Candida antarctica was employed as a biocatalyst. DHA‐enriched fatty acids containing 85% DHA were prepared from tuna oil fatty acids through a combination of solvent crystallization and lipase‐catalyzed ethanolysis. The optimal conditions were the temperature of 60°C, and the vacuum level of 2.67 kPa, respectively. The maximum conversion of approximately 85% was achieved at all enzyme loadings after 12 h, although the times required to reach equilibrium varied at each enzyme loading. Slight differences were observed in the fatty acid composition between the synthesized DHA‐enriched TAG (82%) and the DHA‐enriched fatty acids used as the substrate.