Packed-bed bioreactor synthesis of feruloylated monoacyl- and diacylglycerols: clean production of a 'green' sunscreen

A biocatalytic process for covalent incorporation of ferulic acid onto the glycerol backbone of vegetable oil proceeds efficiently, although rather slowly, with Candida antarctica lipase B in a packed-bed reactor. The bioreactor shows considerable long-term stability. Product yield is influenced by the water content of the fluid phase and enzyme support. The enzyme support modulates substrate concentrations through adsorption and subsequent release of reactants over the course of the reaction. The resulting product has excellent UVA/UVB absorbing properties, making it a potential substitute for conventional petroleum-based sunscreen active agents.