Lipase‐catalyzed incorporation of oleic acid into melon seed oil

The ability of lipase PS30 (Pseudomonas sp.) to modify the fatty acid profile of melon seed oil by incorporation of oleic acid (18:1n‐9) was investigated. The transesterification was carried out in hexane in an orbital shaking water bath at 55°C for 24 h with methyl oleate (70% pure) as acyl donor. Oleic acid content increased from 13.5% to 53%, and linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) content decreased from 65% to 33%. The incorporation of oleic acid into melon seed oil by Pseudomonas sp. lipase helped balance the fatty acid profile of the oil in terms of monounsaturated (18:1n‐9) and essential fatty acids (18:2n‐6).