ABSTRACT
Lipases are defined as enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of triacylglycerols (TAGs). It is, however, well known that they also catalyze esterification and transesterification (acidolysis, alcoholysis, and interesterification) in the presence of only a small amount of water. In addition, lipases possess specificities for
fatty acids (FAs), alcohols, and the position of ester bonds in TAG. Combination of these reactions and specificities can precisely modify natural oils and fats. Studies on application of lipases, which were begun in the 1980s, can be classified into two fields: production of functional lipids, and optical resolution of chiral compounds.
