African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (6), pp. 723-727, 19 March 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Characteristics of lipase isolated from coconut (Cocos nucifera linn) seed under different nutrient treatments

B. O. Ejedegba¹*, E. C. Onyeneke² and P. O. Oviasogie¹

¹Chemistry Division Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: philipoviasogie5@yahoo.com.

Accepted 31 January, 2007

Lipase (triacyglycerol acyl hydrolase, E. C. 3.1.1.3) activity was demonstrated on acetone powder prepa-red from coconut seeds, under different nutrients condition. Conversion of the free fatty acid released to copper salt enabled the activity of the crude enzyme extract on coconut oil, triolein, tripalmitine and olive oil to be determined colorimetrically. Lipase from coconut plant grown under complete nutrient conditions showed high affinity for the native substrate coconut oil.  The enzyme acted maximally at 35°C and had a broad optimum pH of 7.5 – 8.5.

Key words: Lipase activity, coconut oil triolein, tripalmitine.