Production of MLM-Type structured lipids from fish oil catalyzed by Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase

Background Lipases are powerful tools for the syntheses of structured lipids (SL) which are triacylglycerols (TAG) having particular fatty acid residues at specific positions. The production of TAG with medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), in positions sn-1 and sn-3, and a long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), in the internal position, has recently increased due to its nutritional interest in applications as reduced calorie fats [1]. Molecular structure of TAGs influences the fatty metabolism in organisms. Consequently, it is possible to control and improve the nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of TAGs with a correct design of SL chemical structure. The dietary reference intake of long-chain n-3 PUFA is based on current intake of a healthy population, and consists of 135-270 mg a day of EPA+DHA [2]. The intake of reduced levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids have negative consequences in human health, and might occur relatively frequently in situations of irregular fish consumption. So, the aim this work is to produce food oil with a low calorific value, with high content of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosapentaenoic (DHA) acids from fish oil, which is useful for people who suffer from obesity or metabolic disorders caused by lack of such polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the metabolism.