Production of low caloric and spreadable lipid by enzymatic interesterification of terebinth fruit (Pistacia terebinthus L.) oil

The overall objective of the study is to produce a low-calorie and spreadable structured lipid (SL) from terebinth fruit oil. For this purpose, the sn-1,3 specific immobilized lipase (from Rhizomucor miehei) catalyzed acidolysis reaction of terebinth fruit oil with caprylic and palmitic acids was performed in a batch stirred tank reactor and recirculating packed bed reactor (PBR) systems. The effect of reaction conditions and relationship among them were analyzed and optimized by the response surface methodology with a four-factor five-level central composite rotatable experimental design. The major factors chosen were enzyme load, reaction time, temperature, substrate mole ratio and flow rate. The substrate mole ratio, enzyme load, reaction time and temperature were found as key factors for modulating the distribution of reaction products. The PBR system was found more effective to produce target SL. In this system, optimum reaction conditions at 45 oC for reaction time, enzyme load, flow rate and substrate mole ratio were 5.9 h, 10 %, 4 mL/min and 1:3.10:2.07, respectively. The caloric value of the produced SL was found as 38.96 kJ/g. The produced SLs were compared to fat phases of some commercial margarine in terms of solid fat content, melting profile and microstructure. The results of the study showed that the produced SL had similar melting characteristics and microstructure with those of commercial margarine fat extracts. So, it could be used in spreadable fats.