Enzymatic Synthesis of Structured Lipid Based on Silkworm Oil and Palm Olein

The present study describes the synthesis and characterisation of structured lipid (SL) containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) prepared from palm olein (POo) and silkworm oils (SWO) employing enzymatic interesterification method. POo was chosen as one of the substrate because it does not contain ALA and is oxidatively more stable compared to other vegetable oils. The study was aimed to obtain an ALA content of about 10 % in the structured lipid which was achieved with the blend of POo and SWO in the ratio of 80:20 (wt/ wt). The reactions were catalysed by a sn-1, 3-regiospecific lipase, Lipozyme RM IM. The effect of reaction time, temperature were studied and were found to be at 4 hr and 65-70 degree Celcius respectively at a lipase concentration 4 % (w/ w) of substrates. Physico-chemical characteristics of both the substrate oils were determined and compared with those of initial physical blends and the prepared SL. The oxidative stability of SL was also studied and the induction time was found to be at 13.2 hr which was higher with respect to SWO. The SL prepared using refined POo, SWO has potential applications in nutraceutical, food and industrial applications. (author)