Continuous Production of DHA and EPA Ethyl Esters via Lipase-Catalyzed Transesterification in an Ultrasonic Packed-Bed Bioreactor

Ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids are active pharmaceutical ingredients used for the reduction in triglycerides treatment hyperlipidemia. Herein, an ultrasonic packed-bed bioreactor was developed continuous production docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) ethyl from DHA+EPA concentrate acetate (EA) using immobilized lipase, Novozym® 435, as a biocatalyst. A three-level–two-factor central composite design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) employed to evaluate or without ultrasonication on conversion DHA + EPA ester. The highest 99% achieved at condition 1 mL min−1 flow rate 100 mM concentration. Our results also showed that has higher external mass transfer coefficient lower substrate concentration enzyme. effect ultrasound demonstrated by kinetic model batch reaction specificity constant (V′max/K2) bath 8.9 times than shaking bath, indicating increased affinity between enzymes substrates and, therefore, increasing rate. An experiment performed under conditions enzyme remained stable least 5 days maintained 98% conversion.