A novel array of interface-confined molecules: Assembling natural segments for delivery of multi-functionalities

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• High fish oil emulsions require stabilization against physical degradation and lipid oxidation.
• Anionic surfactants and phenolic acids offer physical and antioxidant protection, respectively.
• Multifunctional molecules can potentially combine these properties for enhanced stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rationally design and synthesize novel multifunctional amphiphilic lipids using COSMO-RS.
• To create stable, high fish oil-in-water emulsions with enhanced oxidative and physical stability.
• To evaluate the performance of these novel molecules against commercial emulsifiers.

Main Methods:

• Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) was used for molecular design.
• Synthesis of amphiphilic lipids from natural building blocks (fatty-acyl, glycerol, malic, phenolic acids).
• Characterization of synthesized lipids and their performance in stabilizing fish oil emulsions via dynamic light scattering and fluorescence imaging.

Main Results:

• Successfully integrated multiple functionalities (emulsification, antioxidant) into single molecules.
• Achieved superior or comparable emulsion stability and antioxidant properties versus controls.
• Demonstrated the efficacy of rational design and synthesis for multifunctional delivery systems.

Conclusions:

• Novel natural-based multifunctional lipids effectively stabilize high fish oil emulsions.
• This approach offers a holistic strategy for developing advanced omega-3 delivery systems.
• The findings pave the way for improved food and nutraceutical formulations.