Lipases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats. These versatile biocatalysts have been used for a variety of industrial purposes such as the manufacturing of food products, laundry detergents, and biofuels. In this study, we aim to investigate the use of both commercially available and recombinant lipases to develop topical consumer products containing derivatives of plant-based oils. Previously, we have demonstrated that specific formulations of essential oils and butters have antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Recent studies have suggested that monoacylglycerols, free fatty acids, or combinations of these types of molecules may have antimicrobial activity. To expand upon this line of research, we will use lipases to breakdown oils and butters composed primarily of triacylglycerols into mixtures of mono- and diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, and glycerol. Along with varying the source of the oil, other factors such as the type and concentration of lipase, the buffers and organic solvents, method of agitation, as well as time and temperature used will be screened. These treated oils and butters will then be infused into agar plates and their antimicrobial activity screened against the pathogens mentioned above. Currently, we are utilizing commercially available porcine lipases for pilot studies at temperatures ranging from 25 – 50 oC. Pending successful attempts at expression and purification of a novel E. coli vector, recombinant lipases derived from Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus will be tested at temperatures over 50 oC. The reporter molecule 4-nitrophenyl palmitate dissolved in the plant oil demonstrates that the lipase effectively catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester bonds by the evolution of 4-nitrophenol (λmax = 405 nm at pH &gt; 7.5) in the aqueous fraction. Conditions that produce agar plates with enhanced antimicrobial activities will be analyzed using various analytical techniques to determine their chemical composition.

Treatment of plant oils with commercial and recombinant lipases towards the development of consumer products with antimicrobial activity

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.