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Abstract: The production of structured lipids (SLs) by the acidolysis of soybean oil (SO) with a free fatty acid (FFA) mixture obtained from Brazilian sardine oil, catalysed by Rhizomucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme RM IM) in a solvent-free medium, was optimised by response surface methodology (RSM) using a three-factor central composite rotatable design. The best reaction conditions to achieve an adequate n-6/n-3 FA ratio were: sardine-FFA:SO mole ratio of 3:1, initial water content of the enzyme of 0.87% w/w, reaction time of 12h, reaction temperature of 40°C and 10% by weight of the enzyme (% w/w). Under these conditions, the incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into the soybean oil reached 9.2% (% of the total FAs), leading to a significant reduction in the n-6/n-3 FA ratio from 11:1 to 3:1. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that 95% (R 2 =0.95) of the observed variation was explained by the model. Lack of fit analysis revealed a non-significant value for the model equation, indicating that the regression equation was adequate for predicting the degree of EPA+DHA incorporation under any combination of values of the variables. Easy ambient sonic-spray ionisation mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) was used for instantaneous characterisation of TAGs. After the enzymatic reaction, a great variety of new TAGs were formed containing EPA, DHA or both in the same molecule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four species of marine benthic algae (Laurencia filiformis, L. intricata, Gracilaria domingensis and G. birdiae) that belong to the phylum Rhodophyta were collected in Espírito Santo State, Brazil and investigated concerning their biochemical composition (fatty acid, total lipid, soluble proteins, amino acid and ash). The total content of lipid (% dry weight) ranged from 1.1% to 6.2%; fatty acid from 0.7% to 1.0%; soluble protein from 4.6% to 18.3%, amino acid from 6.7% to 11.3% and ash from 22.5% to 38.4%. Judging from their composition, the four species of algae appear to be potential sources of dietary proteins, amino acids, lipids and essential fatty acids for humans and animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]