09/06/2002 (Asia Intelligence Wire) - Three new products from coconut oilwere recently developed by researchers attached with the Department ofScience and Technology.Researchers from the National Institute of Molecular Biology andBiotechnology (Biotech) based at the University of the Philippines LosBanos used the enzyme lipase to develop high-value specialty fats, flavoresters, and antibacterial agents from coconut oil.Lipase, an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of fats,was used to catalyze coconut oil and turn it into the specialty fat calledmedium chain triglyceride (MCT).Aside from its lower calorie content, MCT is also easily absorbed by thebody and it is also quickly used up as energy and does not stay as bodyfat.Biotech also developed beta monoglyceride (BMG), an antibacterial agentused to protect fruit and vegetables from bacterial infection, andpreserve their color, odor and firmness for up to two weeks.DoST said BMG fights bacteria that causes diarrhea and gastrointestinaldiseases without adverse side effects.The research team also developed coconut oil-derived flavor esters likebanana-flavored isoamyl acetate and pineapple-flavored ethyl butyrate.