Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for producing transesterified fats. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic transesterification or esterification by purifying the substrate oil to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed. One example of the purification medium is packed silica gel.

Abstract: A process of producing a light-colored, high-monoester mixture from a polyol and an oil is provided wherein the process eliminates the use of organic solvents, multiple water washings and/or molecular distillation. The reactants, a polyol and an oil, described herein, condense in the presence of a catalyst, described herein, at a temperature range from about 180° C. to about 280° C. under an inert atmosphere or the vapor pressure of the polyol with a pressure of about 0 to about 500 psig to yield a monoester mixture possessing a desirable monoester composition and color. The present process yields a final product similar to that of processes which require the use of solvents, multiple water washings and/or molecular distillation.

Abstract: Triglyceride oils are enzymatically hydrolyzed to fatty acids and glycerol by liquid phase contact with moistened dehulled oat seeds (oat caryopses). As produced, the fatty acids dissolve in the oil phase and the glycerol is absorbed into the caryopses which facilitates separation of the products of reaction. In a single contacting cycle, 20% or greater conversion of the triglyceride reactant can be obtained, and by cyclic or sequential contacting 50% or more of the oil reactant can be hydrolyzed.