Separation and Purification of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers from Safflower Oil

Attentions of preparation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a mixture of positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid with conjugated double bonds, are considerable because of its anticarcinogenic and obesity treatment properties. The most biologically active CLA isomers are 9c, 11t-18:2 and 10t, 12c-18:2. The aim of this study is to separate and purify the two essential isomers via enzymatic method by Candida rugosa lipase and optimization of reaction conditions in order to better separation. For enzymatic purification, L-menthol and Lauryl alcohol were used separately. Optimization of reaction conditions by enzyme content, time and the ratio of free fatty acid to L-menthol or Lauryl alcohol was performed by using design-expert, Table Curve curve. Purification by L-menthol obtained these results 56% 9c,11t and 77% 10t,12c and purification by Lauryl alcohol obtained 58% 9c,11t and 66% 10t,12c.