Process considerations of continuous fat modification with an immobilized lipase

Lipases will catalyze the incorporation of new fatty acids into the triglyceride component of a fat (acidolysis) or can rearrange/redistribute the existing fatty acid radicals in the fat's triglycerides (transesterification). Both processes can dramatically change the physical characteristics of the fat. Immobilization of the lipase allows for the use of the catalyst in a continuous column operation. Examples illustrating the commercial utility of such immobilized enzymes are presented. Process configurations, scale‐up issues and catalyst lifetime/productivity are discussed.