The mixture was agitated at 350 rpm for at least 30 min to ensure
adequate homogenization before adding 1% (w/v) lipase to initiate
the reaction. Samples were taken at specified intervals until the reaction was completed. The mixture was then left overnight at room
temperature to achieve effective separation of the ester-containing
phase from the aqueous glycerol phase.
The concentrations of the triglycerides and ethyl esters in the coconut oil phase were determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC)
using the method reported previously[19]. The glycerol and ethanol
concentrations in the aqueous phase were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)[20