AbstractCommercial microbial lipases have been used in dairy and other food processes, and lipases produced in situ by microorganisms are important in making foods palatable and acceptable. Microbial lipases have been used in detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, leather processing, production of aliphatic acids, and in the treatment of domestic and industrial wastes. Manufacturers offer lipolytic enzymes in powder form free of other enzymes, and sometimes they are microencapsulated for specialized applications.