Search Results (14)

Milk lipids are fundamental to the nutritional quality, functional properties, and processing behavior of dairy products. In this study, we employed an untargeted lipidomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to systematically characterize the lipid profiles of ten milk types from eight animal species, including camel, mare, donkey, goat, buffalo, yak, Jersey, and Holstein. A total of 640 lipid species were identified, spanning triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids (PLs), sphingolipids (SPs), ceramides (Cer), wax esters (WEs), and other subclasses. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lipid types and abundances among the milk samples. Camel milk exhibited the highest lipid diversity, with notable enrichment in phospholipids and sphingolipids, conferring superior emulsifying properties and stability. Mare milk was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, making it ideal for developing health-focused dairy products. Despite having the lowest total lipid content, donkey milk was enriched in cholesterol esters and PUFA, suitable for low-fat functional dairy products. Goat milk featured a balanced lipid composition with higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), promoting digestibility. Buffalo milk was characterized by high TG and wax ester (WE) levels, offering high energy density and suitability for rich dairy products. Yak milk contained higher levels of ceramides (Cer) and saturated fatty acids, reflecting adaptations to high-altitude environments. Jersey milk and Holstein milk displayed similar lipid profiles, with stable compositions suitable for versatile dairy product development. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and volcano plot analyses further confirmed species-specific lipidomic signatures and revealed several potential lipid biomarkers, such as LPC (O-16:0) in Hongyuan yak milk, suggesting applications in geographical indication (GI) traceability. This study offers a comprehensive lipidomic landscape across diverse milk sources, providing molecular insights to guide the development of tailored, functional, and regionally branded dairy products. Full article

Palm oil (PO), a semi-solid fat at room temperature, is a popular food ingredient. To steer the fat functionality, sucrose esters (SEs) are often used as food additives. Many SEs exist, varying in their hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB), making them suitable for various food and non-food applications. In this study, a stearic–palmitic sucrose ester with a moderate HLB (6) was studied. It was found that the SE exhibited a complex thermal behavior consistent with smectic liquid crystals (type A). Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the mono- and poly-esters of the SE have different packings, more specifically, double and single chain-length packing. The polymorphism encountered upon crystallization was repeatable during successive heating and cooling cycles. After studying the pure SE, it was added to palm oil, and the crystallization behavior of the mixture was compared to that of pure palm oil. The crystallization conditions were varied by applying cooling at 20 °C/min (fast) and 1 °C/min (slow) to 0 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C. The samples were followed for one hour of isothermal time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that nucleation and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) unraveled that the α-to-β′ polymorphic transition remained present upon the addition of the SE. SAXS showed that the addition of the SE at 0.5 wt% did not significantly change the double chain-length packing of palm oil, but it decreased the domain size when cooling in a fast manner. Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) revealed that the addition of the SE created smaller crystal nanoplatelets (CNPs). The microstructure of the fat crystal network was visualized by means of polarized light microscopy (PLM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The addition of the SE created a finer and space-filling network without the visibility of separate floc structures. Full article

The profile of secondary metabolites present in the apple cuticular layer is not only characteristic of a particular apple cultivar; it also dynamically reflects various external factors in the growing environment. In this study, the possibility of authenticating apple samples by analyzing their cuticular layer extracts was investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) was employed for obtaining metabolomic fingerprints. A total of 274 authentic apple samples from four cultivars harvested in the Czech Republic and Poland between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. The complex data generated, processed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods, enabled the building of classification models to distinguish apple cultivars as well as their geographical origin. The models showed very good performance in discriminating Czech and Polish samples for three out of four cultivars: “Gala”, “Golden Delicious” and “Idared”. Moreover, the validity of the models was tested over several harvest seasons. In addition to metabolites of the triterpene biosynthetic pathway, the diagnostic markers were mainly wax esters. “Jonagold”, which is known to be susceptible to mutations, was the only cultivar for which an unambiguous classification of geographical origin was not possible. Full article

The main function of exocrine Meibomian glands (MGs) is to produce a lipid-rich secretion called meibum which plays a critical role in maintaining the ocular surface homeostasis of humans and most mammals. The chemical composition of meibum, and its quantity produced by MGs, largely determine whether it can fulfill its role successfully. Aging was frequently associated with the onset of various MG-related pathologies. The goal of this study was to determine how aging affects the chemical composition and quantity of meibum in mice, and identify possible molecular markers of aging. Unbiased, untargeted and targeted lipidomic evaluation of mouse MG lipids was conducted using liquid chromatography—high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the results were analyzed using Principal Component, Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant, and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analyses. We found that aging leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism in MGs, changing the ratios of major classes of MG lipids (such as wax esters, triacylglycerols, and phospholipids) in a progressive manner. Several lipid species that belong to these groups of MG lipids are proposed as clear markers of aging in a mouse model. Full article

In this study, conditions were determined to obtain a solid wax with a waxy ester content of more than 25% from the hydrotreating of palm oil. The experiments were conducted in a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor. The influence of temperature, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), and pressure on the conversion of triglycerides were evaluated using a nickel molybdenum catalyst (NiMo/Al₂O₃). The variables were evaluated between 240 and 260 °C, 1 and 2 h⁻¹ and 41 and 55 bar, respectively. Based on these results, the best conditions were T:240–260 °C; P: 90 bar; LHSV: 1.5 h⁻¹; hydrogen/oil ratio 472 LN/L with a conversion around 60 wt%; and a selectivity towards waxy esters of 40 wt%. These conditions were then validated with a second catalyst (NiMoB/Al₂O₃), yielding a triglyceride conversion of about 60 wt% and a waxy ester concentration of around 30 wt%. Full article

New data on the fatty acid compositions of the muscle tissues of the two most widespread families of the mesopelagic zone—the Myctophidae (Notoscopelus kroyeri and Symbolophorus veranyi) and Stomiidae (Chauliodus sloani, Stomias boa, Borostomias antarcticus, and Malacosteus niger) families—were obtained from the Irminger Sea (North East Atlantic). The fatty acids (FAs) in the total lipids (TLs), phospholipids (PLs), triacylglycerols (TAGs), and cholesterol esters and waxes were analyzed using gas–liquid chromatography with a mass-selective detector and flame-ionized detector (GC-MS and GC-FID, respectively). Species-specific differences in the FA/alcohol profiles of the studied fishes were revealed. A directed deep-vise trend in the changes in the content and performance of certain FAs for the studied species was found. Along with this, a general character of dominance for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which were discussed as food tracers, was revealed. MUFAs in the muscle tissues included dietary markers of zooplankton (copepods)—20:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11), the content of which varied in association with the species—such that the biomarker Calanus glacialis predominated in muscles of B. antarcticus and C. hyperboreus prevailed in other studied species. Different strategies of compensatory adaptation to depth gradient in lipid metabolism among the studied species were discussed. Full article

Nostoc flagelliforme is a kind of terrestrial edible cyanobacteria with important ecological and economic value which has developed special mechanisms to adapt to drought conditions. However, the specific mechanism of lipidome changes in drought tolerance of N. flagelliforme has not been well understood. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to analyze the lipidome changes of N. flagelliforme under dehydration. A total of 853 lipid molecules were identified, of which 171 were significantly different from that of the control group. The digalactosyldiacylglycerol/monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG/MGDG) ratio was increased. The amount of wax ester (WE) was sharply decreased during drought stress, while Co (Q10) was accumulated. The levels of odd chain fatty acids (OCFAs) were increased under dehydration, positively responding to drought stress according to the energy metabolism state. In conclusion, the lipidomic data corroborated that oxidation, degradation, and biosynthesis of membrane lipids took place during lipid metabolism, which can respond to drought stress through the transformation of energy and substances. Besides, we constructed a lipid metabolic model demonstrating the regulatory mechanism of drought stress in N. flagelliforme. The present study provides insight into the defense strategies of cyanobacteria in lipid metabolic pathways. Full article

Synthesized oleic acid-based wax esters (e.g., cetyl oleate), which can replace spermaceti oil or jojoba oil, have been widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industries. In this work, 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) has been successfully used as an efficient catalyst to synthesize oleic acid-based wax esters through esterification at 40 °C under solvent-free conditions. A 93.6% conversion rate of cetyl alcohol was obtained under optimal conditions: 10 mol% DBSA, a molar ratio of 1.3:1 oleic acid to alcohol, a reaction temperature 40 °C and a reaction time of 4 h. The effect of water content on esterification was investigated, and it was found that the inhibitory effect of water decreased significantly with increasing temperature. Moreover, DBSA-catalyzed esterification could be applied in the production of various oleic acid-based wax esters and excellent conversion (>90%) to esters was obtained under such mild conditions. DBSA-catalyzed low-temperature esterification is an efficient method for the production of liquid wax esters. Full article

The use of an appropriate oleogelator in the structuring of vegetable oil is a crucial point of consideration. Sunflower wax (SFW) is used as an oleogelator and displays an excellent potential to bind vegetable oils. The current study aimed to look for the effects of hydrophobic (SPAN-80) and hydrophilic (TWEEN-80) emulsifiers on the oleogels prepared using SFW and sunflower oil (SO). The biodegradability and all formulations showed globular crystals on their surface that varied in size and number. Wax ester, being the most abundant component of SFW, was found to produce fibrous and needle-like entanglements capable of binding more than 99% of SO. The formulations containing 3 mg of liquid emulsifiers in 20 g of oleogels showed better mechanical properties such as spreadability and lower firmness than the other tested concentrations. Although the FTIR spectra of all the formulations were similar, which indicated not much variation in the molecular interactions, XRD diffractograms confirmed the presence of β′ form of fat crystals. Further, the mentioned formulations also showed larger average crystallite sizes, which was supported by slow gelation kinetics. A characteristic melting point (T_m~60 °C) of triglyceride was visualized through DSC thermograms. However, a higher melting point in the case of few formulations suggests the possibility of even a stable β polymorph. The formed oleogels indicated the significant contribution of diffusion for curcumin release. Altogether, the use of SFW and SO oleogels with modified properties using biodegradable emulsifiers can be beneficial in replacing saturated fats and fat-derived products. Full article

The separation and recycling of effective resources in Fischer-Tropsch wax residue (FTWR) are urgent because of the environmental hazards and energy waste they bring. In this study, organic solvents are used to separate recyclable resources from FTWR efficiently, achieving the goals of “Energy Recycle” and “Fisher-Tropsch Wax Residue Treatment”. The response surface methodology (RSM) response surface analysis model accurately evaluates the relationship among temperature, residence time, liquid–solid ratio, and desorption rate and obtains the best process parameters. The results show that the product yield can reach 82.28% under the conditions of 80 °C, 4 h, and the liquid–solid ratio of 24.4 mL/g. Through the kinetic analysis of the desorption process of FTWR, the results show that the desorption process conforms to the pseudo second-order kinetic model and the internal diffusion model. The thermodynamic function results showed that there were not only van der Waals forces in the desorption process, but other strong interaction forces such as hydrogen bonds. In addition, Langmuir, Freundlich, and BET equations are used to describe the desorption equilibrium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the pore structure of FTWR during desorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis confirmed that the desorption product’s main component was hydrocarbons (50.38 wt%). Furthermore, naphthenic (22.95 wt%), primary alcohol (11.62 wt%), esters (8.7 wt%), and aromatic hydrocarbons (6.35 wt%) compounds were found and can be further purified and applied to other industrial fields. This study shows that using petroleum ether to separate and recover clean resources from Fischer-Tropsch wax residue is feasible and efficient and has potential industrial application prospects. Full article

Most of the global sugar and ethanol supply trade comes from the harvesting of Saccharum officinarum (i.e., sugarcane). Its industrial processing results in numerous by-products and waste streams, such as tops, straw, filter cake, molasses and bagasse. The recovery of lipids (i.e., octacosanol, phytosterols, long-chain aldehydes and triterpenoids) from these residues is an excellent starting point for the development of new products for various application fields, such as health and well-being, representing an important feature of the circular economy. By selecting green scalable extraction procedures, industry can reduce its environmental impact. Refluxed ethanol extraction methods have been demonstrated to meet these characteristics. On the other hand, effective non-solvent methodologies such as molecular distillation and supercritical CO₂ extraction can fractionate lipids based on high temperature and pressure application with similar yields. Sugarcane lipophilic extracts are usually analyzed through gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) techniques. In many cases, the identification of such compounds involves the development of high-temperature GC–MS/FID techniques. On the other hand, for the identification and quantification of thermolabile lipids, LC–MS techniques are suitable for the separation and identification of major lipid classes. Generically, its composition includes terpenes, phytosterols, tocopherol, free fatty acids, fatty alcohols, wax esters, triglycerides, diglycerides and monoglycerides. These compounds are already known for their interesting application in various fields such as pharma and cosmetics due to their anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Previous studies on ablation of several key genes of meibogenesis related to fatty acid elongation, omega oxidation, and esterification into wax esters have demonstrated that inactivation of any of them led to predicted changes in the meibum lipid profiles and caused severe abnormalities in the ocular surface and Meibomian gland (MG) physiology and morphology. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Soat1 ablation that were expected to cause depletion of the second largest class of Meibomian lipids (ML)—cholesteryl esters (CE)—in a mouse model. ML of the Soat1-null mice were examined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and compared with those of Soat1^+/− and wild-type mice. Complete suppression of CE biosynthesis and simultaneous accumulation of free cholesterol (Chl) were observed in Soat1-null mice, while Soat1^+/− mutants had normal Chl and CE profiles. The total arrest of the CE biosynthesis in response to Soat1 ablation transformed Chl into the dominant lipid in meibum accounting for at least 30% of all ML. The Soat1-null mice had clear manifestations of dry eye and MG dysfunction. Enrichment of meibum with Chl and depletion of CE caused plugging of MG orifices, increased meibum rigidity and melting temperature, and led to a massive accumulation of lipid deposits around the eyes of Soat1-null mice. These findings illustrate the role of Soat1/SOAT1 in the lipid homeostasis and pathophysiology of MG. Full article

Jojoba is one of the main two known plant source of natural liquid wax ester for use in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel. Due to the lack of transcriptomic and genomic data on lipid biosynthesis and accumulation, molecular marker breeding has been used to improve jojoba oil production and quality. In the current study, the transcriptome of developing jojoba seeds was investigated using the Illunina NovaSeq 6000 system, 100 × 10⁶ paired end reads, an average length of 100 bp, and a sequence depth of 12 Gb per sample. A total of 176,106 unigenes were detected with an average contig length of 201 bp. Gene Ontology (GO) showed that the detected unigenes were distributed in the three GO groups biological processes (BP, 5.53%), cellular component (CC, 6.06%), and molecular functions (MF, 5.88%) and distributed in 67 functional groups. The lipid biosynthesis pathway was established based on the expression of lipid biosynthesis genes, fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis, FA desaturation, FA elongation, fatty alcohol biosynthesis, triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis, phospholipid metabolism, wax ester biosynthesis, and lipid transfer and storage genes. The detection of these categories of genes confirms the presence of an efficient lipid biosynthesis and accumulation system in developing jojoba seeds. The results of this study will significantly enhance the current understanding of wax ester biology in jojoba seeds and open new routes for the improvement of jojoba oil production and quality through biotechnology applications. Full article

Plastic polymers are widely used in agriculture, industry, and our daily life because of their convenient and economic properties. However, pollution caused by plastic polymers, especially polyethylene (PE), affects both animal and human health when they aggregate in the environment, as they are not easily degraded under natural conditions. In this study, Enterobacter sp. D1 was isolated from the guts of wax moth (Galleria mellonella). Microbial colonies formed around a PE film after 14 days of cultivation with D1. Roughness, depressions, and cracks were detected on the surface of the PE film by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of carbonyl functional groups and ether groups on the PE film that was treated with D1. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) also revealed that the contents of certain alcohols, esters, and acids were increased as a result of the D1 treatment, indicating that oxidation reaction occurred on the surface of the PE film treated with D1 bacteria. These observations confirmed that D1 bacteria has an ability to degrade PE. Full article