| Abstract: | The enzymatic synthesis of phenolic lipids by lipase-catalyzed transesterification of dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) with fish liver oil was investigated in a selected organic solvent medium. These synthesized phenolic lipids have potential use as nutraceutical products. Using a molar ratio of 1:8 DHCA to fish liver oil in hexane:2-butanone mixtures of 75:25 and 85:15 (v/v), the lipase-catalyzed reaction resulted in maximum conversion of 55.8 and 65.4%, respectively. The maximum conversion of phenolic monoacylglycerols in hexane:2-butanone mixture of 75:25 and 85:15 (v/v) was 40.3 and 37.7%, respectively; using the same solvent mixtures, the conversions of the phenolic diacylglycerol were 15.8 and 36.8%, respectively. Hexane:2-butanone mixture of 75:25 (v/v) was, therefore, the best organic solvent mixture for the production of phenolic monoacylglycerols, while that of 85:15 (v/v) was best for the production of phenolic diacylglycerols. The phenolic lipids produced from the fish liver oil and DHCA demonstrated antioxidant property as indicated by its free radical scavenging capacity. |
