Facultad de Ciencias Químicas
Ing. Catalina de Jesús Hernández Torres
Abstract: Lipases (triacilglicerol hydrolases, E.C.3.1.1.3) are enzymes for industrial use that can be applied as part of food supplements in the diet of monogastric animals to facilitate the consumption of fats. This type of application requires that the enzyme is protected against digestive tract factors. One way to protect the enzyme is to immobilize it in support. The aim of the present study was to develop a microencapsulation process of Aspergillus niger lipases and to evaluate their characteristics. The two micro-encapsulation systems were analyzed: Alginate (A) and Alginate / Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). Immobilization was achieved in both. It was shown that the important point for success in the process is related to encapsulation and drying conditions of the capsules. The lipase immobilized in these systems was characterized by greater resistance to change of pH and temperature. The evaluated systems (A and A / PVA) maintained their consistence were stable under simulated gastric juice simulation conditions; however they are soluble under conditions of simulation of intestinal juices. Tests on agar and olive oil plates at different concentrations allowed demonstrating the availability of lipase in different systems. Moreover, lipase microencapsulation was performed by means of spray drying with activity maintenance.
SÍGUENOS