Activity of microbial lipases on natural fats and synthetic triglycerides

Abstract

The positional and fatty acid specificities of lipases from several different microorganisms have been examined by gas–liquid chromatographic analysis of the free fatty acids following action on mixed triglycerides of known composition. Three types of lipases were found. Lipases of the first type, obtained from several microorganisms, attacked primarily the 1-position of the triglyceride in a manner similar to that of pancreatic lipase. Some fatty acid preference was also observed. The ability of the lipolytic enzymes from Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus flavus to attack the 2-position as well as the 1-position suggested another type of activity. The lack of any appreciable effect of diisopropylfluorophosphate in 10−4m concentrations on this hydrolysis indicated it was not an esterase. The third type of lipase was from Geotrichum candidum and it preferentially hydrolyzed the oleate ester from the triglyceride regardless of its position. Possible applications of these lipases are discussed.