Natural Lipids

What are Natural Lipids?

Natural lipids are a class of complex biomolecules present in the bodies of plants and animals or in their products. Natural lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which have a variety of biological functions. The molecular structure of natural lipids is very complex, containing different kinds of fatty acid alkyl groups, polar heads, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic portions, which give them unique biological properties. Natural lipids are widely used in nutraceuticals, drug delivery, cosmetics and food due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Fig. 1. Natural lipid extracts (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Biomembranes. 2019, 1862(2): 183115).

Structural Characteristics of Natural Lipids

The main classes of natural lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols. For example, fatty acids, which are long-chain hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group at one end, are components of many other lipids. Triacylglycerols, also known as triglycerides, consist of three fatty acids attached to the main chain of glycerol and are the main form of energy storage in animals. Phospholipids, another important class of lipids that make up cell membranes, have a polar head group and two nonpolar fatty acid tails. Sterols are lipids with a rigid tetracyclic structure that are found in cell membranes and are precursors to hormones.

Functions of Natural Lipids

Natural lipids play a vital role in many biological functions. Fatty acids are the body's main source of energy and are signaling molecules. Triacylglycerols are the main storage form of energy in animals and are found in adipose tissue. Phospholipids form cell membranes and regulate the movement of molecules in and out of cells. Sterols are important components of cell membranes and are involved in the synthesis of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

How to Prepare Natural Lipids

Step 1 - Selection of raw materials. According to the type of natural lipids to be prepared and the purpose, choose suitable animal and plant tissues or their products as raw materials.

Step 2 - Separation and extraction. After the raw materials are crushed, broken and cell-broken, the natural lipids are separated by solvent extraction, recrystallization and separation and purification.

Step 3 - Purification. The natural lipids obtained by separation are subjected to purification treatment such as decolorization, acid removal and impurity removal to improve their purity and quality.

Step 4 - Analysis and identification. Using various analytical techniques, such as thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc. to identify and analyze the natural lipids to ensure that their composition and quality meet the requirements.

Step 5 - Storage and packaging. Store the purified and identified natural lipids under dry, light-protected, low-temperature conditions to prevent their oxidation and deterioration.

Advantages of Natural Lipids

• Good biocompatibility, not easy to cause immune reaction and toxic reaction.
• Versatile, natural lipids are diverse, with many different chemical structures and functions, which can meet different application needs.
• Tunable, the structure and properties of natural lipids can be adjusted and controlled by changing their sources and preparation methods to meet different application requirements.
• High safety, compared with synthetic chemicals, natural lipids usually have higher safety and stability, which can reduce the risks and side effects of products.

Natural lipids offer several advantages over synthetic alternatives. BOC Sciences is committed to providing high quality natural lipid products and services to our customers. We have an experienced team of scientists specializing in lipid research with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. We offer a wide range of natural lipid products, including fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols, and can provide customized solutions to meet our customers' specific needs. Our natural lipid products are of the highest quality and purity, ensuring that our customers can trust us to deliver reliable results.

Reference

1. Dua, F. et al. Immobilization of natural lipid biomembranes and their interactions with choline carboxylates. A nanoplasmonic sensing study. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Biomembranes. 2019, 1862(2): 183115.