European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology最新文献

Stereoselective olefin metathesis offers access to geometrically well-defined C–C double bonds and is considered a promising new method for transforming plant oils to valuable chemicals. A set of Z-stereoretentive catalysts bearing quinoxaline-2,3-dithiolate ligands functionalized with halogens, electron-withdrawing (EWG), electron-donating (EDG), and π-altered were obtained and characterized. New catalysts were tested in a model Z-stereoselective cross-metathesis (CM) and in the synthesis of a pheromone of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas). Although none of the new catalysts surpassed the parent catalyst Ru5a—featuring non-substituted quinoxaline-2,3-dithiolate ligand—the ester-substituted complex Ru5h offered a similarly high level of Z-selectivity (>95:5) and productivity, whereas the carboxylic ester function can open perspectives for future immobilization or polar-tagging.

Practical Applications: Decreasing availability of fossil organic feedstock and current policies of the European Union drive scientists to look for alternative sustainable sources of fine chemicals. In this context, Z-stereoselective olefin metathesis offers preferential access to geometrically well-defined C–C double bonds and is considered a new promising method for transforming plant oils to valuable chemicals. One of them is sex pheromones of various insects—biodegradable and non-toxic chemical substances—used in small amounts to lure insects into pheromone traps. In the present work, a female sex pheromone of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) was obtained in high yield and selectivity, showing a possible application of the newly obtained Z-stereoretentive catalysts in the field of modern and environmentally conscious farming.

The sensory characteristics, antioxidant activity, fatty acids, and volatile compounds of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from two different protected designations of origin (PDOs) were analyzed to identify any differences that might be useful for characterizing them. The sensory profiles of the PDO Sabina samples were characterized by a medium intensity for the positive attributes of fruity (from 3.0 to 5.0), bitter (from 2.8 to 4.0), and pungent (from 3.0 to 5.0). It is worth underlining that our results confirm the presence of a typical tomato note in all Sabina PDO EVOOs analyzed. Instead, with intensities ranging from 3.5 to 4.5, the artichoke note is present in all the Tuscia PDO samples. Among the volatile compounds, (E)-2-hexenal was the most abundant, with great variability in the Sabina PDO oils (from 5.3% to 72.6%) and higher percentages in the Tuscia PDO (from 55.0% to 80.6%).

Practical Applications: It is very useful for both farmers and producers to have a better knowledge of the territorial parameters that influence the qualitative characteristics of extra virgin olive oils linked to the designation of origin. This will have practical applications, as focusing on high-quality certified products can be a winning challenge for manufacturers in the global market.

The aim of this study was to produce and characterize micro- and nanoparticulate lipid carriers for pomegranate seed oil (PSO) to preserve its functional properties. The results of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique revealed that formulation proportions minimally affected particle size, with lipid nanoparticles (LNs) ranging from 308 to 325 nm, and LN4:1 being the most monodisperse formulation. Lipid microparticles (LMs) ranged from 1251 to 4364 nm, demonstrating the efficiency of hot homogenization with rotor–stator for micrometer-sized particles. SEM analysis further confirmed the morphology, showing well-defined spherical shapes and the presence of particle clusters, likely due to the lyophilization process and the lipid nature of the carriers. All formulations exhibited stable dispersion (high negative zeta potential). Formulations with greater color difference (ΔE*) and a lower polydispersity index (PDI), such as LN4:1, indicate more effective oil homogenization and enhanced protection of the oil and its bioactive components. Compatibility and preservation of PSO characteristics were confirmed by XRD and FTIR. Encapsulation efficiency values for the formulations ranged from 40.0% to 66.1%, indicating satisfactory oil encapsulation. Furthermore, the encapsulation process effectively protected the antioxidant activity of PSO, with a decrease in the DPPH scavenging percentage from 55.4% (free PSO) to values ranging from 41.4% to 51.3% (lipid carriers). Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of producing PSO micro- and nanoparticles with the methods employed, suggesting applications in sustainable packaging.

Practical Applications: The development of lipid micro and nanoparticles for the encapsulation of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) offers significant potential in the food industry, particularly for creating biodegradable active packaging. Encapsulation enhances the stability of bioactive compounds, including punicic acid, tocopherols, and polyphenols, protecting them from oxidative degradation. This preservation improves the shelf life and functional properties of food products. Additionally, the controlled release mechanism of these lipid carriers can enhance the bioavailability of PSO's antioxidants, contributing to improved nutritional value and health benefits. These findings suggest potential applications in the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and packaging solutions that maintain the quality and safety of food products over time.

The widespread use of bio-derived lipids as renewable feedstock chemicals requires their synthetic modification for downstream applications. Herein, we demonstrate the use of nitroarenes as photo-responsive oxidants for the synthesis of aldehydes and 1,2-diols from unsaturated fatty acids. This approach addresses the conventional use of hazardous and toxic reagents such as ozone (O₃) and osmium tetroxide (OsO₄). The successful employment of stable and nontoxic nitroarenes in oxidation chemistry is demonstrated on a series of industrially relevant fatty acids including carboxylic acids and their methyl ester equivalents producing oxygen-enriched substrates.

Fatty acids derived from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils, serve as essential feedstocks in various industries, including surfactants, cosmetics, lubricants, and polymers. Although current industrial applications of fatty acids are mainly centered around carboxylate group transformations, recent advancements in biocatalysis have opened new possibilities for converting fatty acids into valuable chemical building blocks. This contribution critically assesses novel biocatalytic transformations of fatty acids, including hydroxylation of the alkyl chain, epoxidation of C═C double bonds, reduction of the carboxylate group, and decarboxylation. These reactions hold great potential for producing important intermediates for chemical synthesis.

Practical Application: The enzymatic valorization of fatty acids offers transformative potential for sustainable oleochemical synthesis, presenting practical applications across various industries. Hydroxylated and epoxidized fatty acids are promising precursors for the production of polyesters, bio-based lubricants, and surfactants. Sophorolipids, derived from hydroxylated fatty acids, are gaining attraction as renewable biosurfactants with applications in detergents and cosmetics. Epoxidized fatty acids serve as intermediates for eco-friendly adhesives, coatings, and polymers. Furthermore, decarboxylation reactions yield alkanes, viable as biofuels, whereas reductions of carboxyl groups enable selective synthesis of aldehydes and alcohols for fragrances and pharmaceutical intermediates. The scalability of these biocatalytic transformations, combined with their mild operational conditions and high specificity, can substantially reduce environmental impact and production costs. These applications highlight biocatalysis as a pivotal technology for advancing the chemical industry toward sustainable practices.