Abstract

EPA and DHA polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are beneficial in human health. Their sources for consumption are fatty fishes. The use of n-3PUFA as supplements has prompted the development of structured triacylglycerols (TGs) with lipases. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2 ), with low masstransfer resistance and high diffusivity has beenused for these lipases reactions. The objective of this work was to synthesize TGs, with EPA or DHA and caprylic acid (CA) in its structure catalyzed by Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TL IM), in hexane and SCCO2 . For this, EPA and DHA of rainbow trout “belly” was concentrated by inclusion with urea. The synthesis of TG from glycerol, AC and EPA and DHA concentrate, was initially performed in hexane with the objective of evaluating the behavior of lipase TL IM (at 10% and 50% with respect to substrates) in the time (24, 48 and 72 h). TGs were then synthesized for 28 h in SCCO2 with 10% TL IM lipase. The samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Subsequently, a response surface method (RSM) design was performed for the synthesis in hexane, using as time, temperature and agitation reaction variables in a 23 +star design. The synthesis of TGs in SCCO2 was optimized by RSM considering the proportion n-3PUFA:CA, percentage of glycerol, time, temperature and pressure in SCCO2 , through a 25-1 + star design. The results obtained indicate that SCCO2 is a more efficient means for the synthesis with the lipase of TGs with biological value.