Diacylglycerol-enriched oil production using chemical glycerolysis

Diacylglycerol (DAG)-enriched oils have been drawing increased global attention from researchers and food manufacturers. The production of DAG-enriched oils have been investigated extensively because of its health benefit. DAG is commonly produced chemically through glycerolysis processes. This paper attempts to review and summarize the chemical glycerolysis methods for DAG-enriched oils production. The critical process parameters of the DAG synthesis are also presented and discussed. In addition, a process intensification for DAG-enriched oils production has been developed with an objective of reducing required temperature with better reaction yields, and also lowering energy requirement and cost of processing. Practical applications: Diacylglycerol (DAG) has been widely used at different purity levels as an additive for enhancing fats' plasticity, an emulsifier and stabilizer in food as well as in medicine and cosmetic industries. DAG can be produced chemically through a glycerolysis process. Chemical production of DAG oil avoids a number of complex steps required in the enzymatic method. Important parameters in chemical glycerolysis must be fully considered to gain a better performance of chemical glycerolysis. Diacylglycerol (DAG) is ester of glycerol in which two of the hydroxyl group are esterified with fatty acids. DAG-enriched oil is commonly produced chemically through a glycerolysis process. Important process parameters in chemical glycerolysis as well as process intensification for DAG-enriched oil production are summarized in this review article.