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Enzymatic modification of evening primrose oil: Incorporation of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

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Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society

Abstract

Immobilized lipase SP435 fromCandida antaractica was used as a biocatalyst for the modification of the fatty acid composition of evening primrose oil by incorporating n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Transesterification (ester-ester interchange) was conducted in organic solvent or without solvent, with EPA ethyl ester (EEPA) as the acyl donor. Products were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). After 24-h incubation in hexane, the fatty acid composition of evening primrose oil was markedly changed to contain up to 43% EPA. The amount of 18:2n−6 PUFA was reduced by 32%, and the saturated fatty acid content was also reduced. The effects of incubation time, molar ratio, enzyme load, and reaction medium on mol% EPA incorporation were also studied. Generally, as the incubation time (up to 24 h), molar ratio, and enzyme load increased, EPA incorporation also increased. Evening primrose oil, containing EPA and γ-linolenic acid (18:3n−6) in the same glycerol backbone, was successfully produced and may be more beneficial for certain applications than unmodified oil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Food Science Building, Rm. 211, 30602-7610, Athens, GA

    Casimir C. Akoh, Brenda H. Jennings & Dorris A. Lillard

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  1. Casimir C. Akoh
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  2. Brenda H. Jennings
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  3. Dorris A. Lillard
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Akoh, C.C., Jennings, B.H. & Lillard, D.A. Enzymatic modification of evening primrose oil: Incorporation of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. J Am Oil Chem Soc 73, 1059–1062 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02523416

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02523416

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