ENZYMATIC PRODUCTION OF FUNCTIONAL LIPIDS FROM MACAÚBA OIL (Acrocomia aculeata) FOR ANIMAL NUTRITION

The quality of pet food has improved, and it is essential to evaluate them to ensure their health and longevity. Studies show that dietary triacylglycerols (TAGs), of the MLM (Medium-Long-Medium) type, are beneficial for dogs and cats, due to their lower caloric intake and additional health benefits. Macaúba oil (Acrocomia aculeata), with more than 70% unsaturated fatty acids, in addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is promising for the production of these TAGs. Thus, the present study sought to evaluate the incorporation of capric acid in the TAG molecule of macaúba oil, to obtain dietary lipids MLM via enzymatic acidolysis. To this end, the variables enzyme concentration (3% to 7%), temperature (30°C to 50°C) and molar ratio between oil and fatty acid (1:4 to 1:9) were evaluated during its biosynthesis. Lipozyme RM IM was used as a biocatalyst and the reactions were conducted in a stirred tank reactor, operating in batch mode, totaling 19 experiments in a 2³ Central Composite Design (DCC). All the variables studied significantly influenced the incorporation of capric acid, with maximum incorporation (42.92 mol%), occurring with 7% enzyme, 50°C and molar ratio of 1:9. The increase in each variable led to greater incorporation, and the interactions between enzyme concentration and molar ratio were significant, with a predictive model showing good agreement with the experimental data (R² of 85.73%). Therefore, the production of MLM dietary TAGs from macaúba oil by enzymatic acidolysis in a batch reactor is feasible and efficient