Lipophilic and stable derivatives of ferulic acid are required to improve its efficacy in fatty foods and to optimize its use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. In collaboration with the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and CIATEJ (Guadalajara, Mexico), we have developed an improved synthesis of ferulic acid monoesters (ethyl ferulate and lauryl ferulate) by using immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica B in diisopropyl ether. Ethyl ferulate was further acylated with vinyl esters to form ferulate diesters. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated in vitro.
Reference: “Lipase-catalyzed preparation of mono- and diesters of ferulic acid”. G. Sandoval, P.G. Quintana, A. Baldessari, A.O. Ballesteros, F.J. Plou. Biocatalysis & Biotransformation 33, 89-97 (2015), doi:10.3109/10242422.2015.1060228
