Enzymatic preparation of biosurfactants from sugars or sugar alcohols and fatty acids in organic media under reduced pressure.

Biosurfactants were prepared by enzymatic esterification of sugars and sugar alcohols in nonaqueous media. Sorbitol monooleate was produced in pure molten substrates, with reduced pressure to remove water. The results were compared to synthesis in organic solvent, with and without water removal. Synthesis in organic solvent with water removal, obtained by refluxing through a desiccant under reduced pressure, proved to be the most efficient method in terms of total yield and side-products formation. This process was applied to the production of different surfactants, by changing the nature of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. Yields above 90% of monoesters were obtained after 24 h when the reaction was carried out in 2-methyl-2-butanol with Novozym 435 (Type B lipase from Candida antarctica) with an excess of hydroxyl donor.