Objective: The search for lipase with distinct features, from plant latex is of great importance for industrial applications. The catalytic properties of lipases from Ficus trichopoda and Euphorbia unispina latex were characterized. Methodology and Results: Fresh latex from Ficus trichopoda and Euphorbia unispina were collected and dried through solar. Dried latex was taken for complete proximate analysis and their activity was analysed by thin layer chromatography. The two lipases were optimally active at pH=5 and temperature of 35°C and 50°C for Ficus trichopoda and Euphorbia unispina latex, respectively. The presence of metal ions enhances the activity of Ficus trichopoda latex, while no significant enhancement was observed in the case of Euphorbia unispina latex. Both lipases were able to hydrolyze saturated esters, and showed typo-selectivity for this group. However, the lipases are weak selective for the hydrolysis of unsaturated esters, especially for 18:2 fatty acids. Conclusions and application of finding: The enzyme from Ficus trichopoda latex was able to attack specific oil to generate free fatty acids or ester as the major product. This understanding may help in devising efficient methods to produce valuable modified oils.
Introduction. Detarium microcarpum is a woody fruit plant, widely found in the dense dry and clear forests of sub-Saharan Africa. This review presents the nutritional and functional properties of D. microcarpum fruits pulp and seed, as well as their uses in food products. Literature. The two edible parts of the fruit of D. microcarpum are pulp and seed. These pulp and seed have an almost identical carbohydrate content (40.2-66.1%). Pulp contains proteins (2.9-6.1%), lipids (0.7-2.2%), and minerals: magnesium (51-84 mg·100g-1), potassium (1,017 mg·100g-1) and vitamins (vitamin C: 4.6-4.7 mg·100g-1). Seed also contains proteins (34.5-37.1%), lipids (23%), minerals and vitamins (vitamin C: 9.3-28.1 mg·100g-1). Seed powder exhibits functional properties such as bulk density (0.5-0.9 g·cm-3), water absorption capacity (3.5-11.7 ml·g-1), oil absorption capacity (0.7-3.1 ml·g-1), solubility (2-3%), emulsion capacity (4.3-4.4%), emulsion stability (3.4-3.5%), foaming capacity (8.7-8.8 cm3) and foam stability (7.0-9.3 cm3); it also improves the viscosity of dough. Pulp is used in juice and jam, while seeds are used as a stabilizer or as a thickener in juice, jam, tomato sauce, traditional soup, white bread, raw beef burger, and ice cream. Conclusions. Most studied works on the seed of D. microcarpum did not explore beyond the properties of its gum. Likewise, those on the pulp only approached its use in juice and jam. Therefore, it presents a large possibility for research in the context of the formulation of foods containing D. microcarpum fruits.
Industrial-scale processes currently developed make use of chemical catalysis processes that are highly efficient but require very complex product purification steps. Enzymatic catalysis through plant lipases as biocatalysts is an alternative which, in contrast to chemical catalysis processes, appeared simple to perform, and can be done at low investment cost. Although microbial lipases have been extensively studied, little research has been focused on the use of plant lipases namely plant latex lipases. The present article outlines the most advanced knowledge concerning plant latex characterization in order to show how plant latex can be a promising alternative to catalyze transesterification for biodiesel production. This paper provides an overview regarding the main aspects of latex, such as the reactions catalyzed, physiological functions, specificities, sources and their industrial applications. (Résumé d'auteur
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