Abstract

Enzymatic condensation of trehalose and myristic acid in organic media (2-methyl-2-butanol and acetone) with reduced moisture content was evaluated. Monomyristoyl trehalose was synthesized using immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym^® 435). The product yield was significantly affected by process parameters, such as the initial moisture content in organic media, as well as in immobilized enzymes, and the added concentration of molecular sieves. Up to 25% yield of monomyristoyl trehalose could be attained, depending on the process. The experimental setup used in this study consisted of a multiphase component, i.e., Novozym^® 435, an organic solvent, and molecular sieves. Moisture adsorbed either onto immobilized enzymes, or molecular sieves, and free moisture content in the organic solvent were characterized using individual experiments. The relationship between process parameters and the quantitative moisture distribution in the system was also investigated. The results presented in this paper indicates that a process design considering moisture distribution in the reaction system is important for understanding the effect of moisture on the reaction as well as for optimizing the process parameters.

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