Arifin N.Soo-Peng K.Long K.Chin-Ping T.Yusoff M.S.A.Oi-Ming L.2024-05-292024-05-2920121935513010.1007/s11947-010-0325-52-s2.0-84856231200https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84856231200&doi=10.1007%2fs11947-010-0325-5&partnerID=40&md5=aa24563de3383128a3f3a387a057749fhttps://oarep.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/10168Optimization conditions of Lipozyme RM IM lipase esterification of capric and stearic acids with glycerol for the production of medium- and long-chain triacyglycerols (MLCT) fat suitable for food applications such as margarine and shortening were investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to model and optimize the reaction conditions, namely, the reaction time (8-24 h), enzyme load (5-15 Wt.%), and fatty acids/glycerol ratio (3:1-4:1) and represented by Ti, En, and Sb, respectively. Best-fitting models were successfully established for both MLCT yield (R 2 = 0.9507) and residual FFA (R 2 = 0.9315) established by multiple regressions with backward elimination. Optimal reaction conditions were 13.6-14.0 h for reaction time, 7.9-8.0 Wt.% for enzyme load, and 3:1 for fatty acids/glycerol molar ratio. Chi-square test showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences between the observed and predicted values of both models. Refined MLCT fat blend had sufficient solid fat at room temperature and made it suitable to use as a hard stock in shortening and margarine production. � 2010 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC.en-USEnzyme loadEsterificationFatty acids/glycerol molar ratioMedium- and long-chain triacyglycerols (MLCT)MLCT yieldReaction timeResidual FFAResponse surface methodology (RSM)Enzyme loadsMLCT yieldResidual FFAResponse Surface MethodologyTriacyglycerolsEnzymesEstersGlycerolHuman reaction timeOptimizationStatistical testsStearic acidSurface propertiesEsterificationArticle21622551