The partially purified lipase from Rhizopus sp was tested as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of 1 monolaurin from lauric acid and glycerol. A central composite rotatable design was applied to optimize the e substrate molar ratio and the percentage of molecular sieve for achieving maximum monolaurin yield. The best results were obtained: when the molar ratio of substrates was 1:1, the medium contained 100% (w/w) molecular, sieve, and the reaction was conducted at 50 C and 200 rpm applying 2 mg of the partially purified lipase. The.. 3 maximum yield in monolaurin (17:52%) was achieved after a 72-h reaction:708C503C505