Synthesis of structured lipid with balanced omega-3: Omega-6 ratio by lipase-catalyzed acidolysis reaction: Optimization of reaction using response surface methodology

The present study deals with the production of structured lipid containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the ratio of 1:1 by incorporating omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) from linseed oil into groundnut oil using lipase (Lipozyme IM from Rhizomucor miehei) catalyzed acidolysis reaction in hexane. The reaction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology with a four-variable five-level central composite rotatable experimental design. The influence of four independent parameters, namely ratio of fatty acid concentrate from linseed to groundnut oil (0.66–1.98, w/w), reaction temperature (30–60 °C), enzyme concentration (1–5%) and reaction time (2–54 h) on omega-3 fatty acids incorporation into groundnut oil were optimized. Optimal conditions for the structured lipid containing omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the ratio of 1:1 were determined to be; enzyme concentration 3.75% (w/w), temperature 37.5 °C, incubation time 30.81 h and ratio of free fatty acid concentrate from linseed oil to groundnut oil 1.16 (w/w).