Lipase-catalyzed esterification of mono- and oligoglycosides with various fatty acids

Glycosides with glycerol (Gl) and trimethylolpropane (TMP) moieties were examined as substrates for the esterification by a lipase from Candida cylindracea . Monoglucoside (Glc-TMP) and diglucoside (Glc 2 -TMP) were effectively esterified with oleic acid and middle-chain fatty acids such as lauric and capric acids, at 40°C. Stearic, palmitic, and myristic acids also gave esters, when reaction temperature was elevated from 40°C to 60°C. Glc 3 -TMP was slightly esterified only with the middle-chain fatty acids. The reactivity of Gl-containing digalactosides were lower than Gl-containing monogalactosides and TMP-containing digalactoside. Lipases from porcine pancreas and Geotrichum candidum also exhibited considerable activities for the esterification of the glycosides.