Abstract
Lipases are among the most important enzymes in the oil and fats industry. Large quantities of microbial lipases are being produced on an industrial scale for medical and industrial uses.
The high selectivity and specificity of lipases make them useful for obtaining structured lipids. For example, synthesis of cocoa butter substitutes, human milk fat substitutes, position-specific low-calorie lipids and modified lipids that incorporate eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids has been reported.
Lipases usually lose activity during the course of continuous reaction and are costly. Factors that influence the activity of lipases are water activity, temperature and oil refine. Several methods were carried out to improve lipase stability. These methods may involve addition, chemical modification, genetic engineering and reaction condition.
