Monoglycerides of Fatty Acids Occurrence in Nature: Synthesis, Properties, and Uses
نویسندگان
1 Laboratory of Engineering Profile “Physical and Chemical Methods of Analysis”, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
2 Department of Biology, Geography and Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
3 Laboratory of Engineering Profile “Physical and Chemical Methods of Analysis”, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
4 Department of Biology, Geography and Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
5 Department of Electric Power Engineering, Technosphere Safety and Ecology, Institute of Natural Science, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
6 Department of Chemistry, Institute of Natural Sciences, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
doi
10.48309/jcr.2026.553725.1517چکیده
Monoglycerides are monoacyl derivatives of glycerol that occur naturally in vegetable oils and animal tissues, where they perform key metabolic and structural functions. Industrial production relies primarily on esterification or glycerolysis, using chemical or enzymatic catalytic systems. Recent developments emphasize lipase-catalyzed processes and intensified technologies (ultrasound, microreactors, and supercritical media), which improve selectivity, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable manufacturing. Due to their distinctive physicochemical behavior, including self-assembly, crystallization, and polymorphism, monoglycerides are widely exploited as emulsifiers and oil structuring agents in the food industry, as matrix-forming lipids in drug-delivery systems (cubosomes and lipid nanocarriers), and as functional components in biomedical and cosmetic formulations. Monolaurin demonstrates particularly strong antimicrobial and antiviral activity, expanding the interest in monoglycerides as high-value bioactive molecules. This review consolidates current knowledge on the natural occurrence, synthesis strategies, and multifunctional applications of monoglycerides, highlighting research trends and technological opportunities relevant to food chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and green processing.
