14B-44

S. A. SPURVEY and F. Shahidi. Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF A1B 3X9, Canada

The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in human nutrition and disease prevention has long been recognized. Both omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA are precursors of eicosanoids, which are involved in many important biological processes in the human body.

Omega-3 fatty acids are present in marine oils and play important roles in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease, hypertension, arthritis, other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Gamma linolenic acid(GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, is present in borage and evening primrose seeds 17-25% and 8-10%, respectively. GLA is important for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

The objective of this study was to produce a GLA concentrate by urea complexation under optimum conditions and to use it subsequently for enzymatic incorporation into seal blubber and menhaden oils. A 3-factor-3-level face centered cube design was employed to achieve the maximum yield of GLA. The process variables studied were the molar ratio of urea to fatty acid, reaction temperature, and reaction time. Two enzymes used were from Pseudomonas species and Mucor miehei. . The process variables studied for the acidolysis reaction were the amount of enzyme (150-700 units), reaction temperature (30-60 °C), reaction time (0-48 h) and mole ratio of triacylglycerol (TAG) to GLA (1:1-1:5).

Under optimum conditions, a GLA concentrate(90%) was produced. The incorporation of GLA in seal blubber oil and menhaden oil were 37% and 39%, respectively.

The production of a novel oil containing both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for clinical as well as nutritional purposes.