Stepwise esterification of phytosterols with conjugated linoleic acid catalyzed by Candida rugosa lipase in solvent-free medium.

We conducted a near quantitative esterification of phytosterols from soybean oil deodorizer distillate with conjugated linoleic acid. We used a 1:1 molar ratio of sterols to conjugated linoleic acid. For that matter, stepwise addition of sterols was investigated. Total sterols were divided into several portions and added sequentially to the reaction mixture. Using this methodology, purities of up to 80% steryl esters were obtained that consumed more than 90% of the total conjugated linoleic acid. In addition, the effects of temperature, amount, and stability of lipase were also evaluated.