Process for the enzymatic synthesis of alkyl esters of peptides and peptides, and microparticles therefrom

Abstract

A process for the simultaneous enzymatic synthesis of a mixture of alkyl esters of peptides and peptides is presented. In the process, a protein substrate and at least one aliphatic alkanol having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms at a concentration of more than about 30% V/V, preferably 70% V/V to 90% V/V, are treated with a serine protease. A mixture of alkyl esters of peptides and peptides having an esterification value of at least 25% and an average molecular mass of about 3,000 to about 10,000 daltons is recovered. In a further step, the mixture of alkyl esters of peptides and peptides may be precipitated from an alcoholic medium, in an aqueous phase to prepare microparticles. The mixture of alkyl esters of peptides and peptides, or the microparticles may be used in cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, wetting agent, film-agent, or emollient compositions.

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