Partial hydrogenation of oils using cold plasma technology and its effect on lipid oxidation

The formation of trans-fatty acids during the hydrogenation of oils using traditional methods is a known fact. Hydrogenation involves the conversion of unsaturation to saturation to enhance the keeping quality of oils. These trans-fatty acids are considered harmful leading to several cardiovascular diseases. Methods like the use of novel catalysts, interesterification, supercritical CO₂ hydrogenation and electrocatalytic hydrogenation have been employed to reduce the trans-fatty acid formation. Recently, the application of cold plasma for hydrogenation was employed as an eco-friendly technology. The use of hydrogen as a feed gas will be the source of atomic hydrogen required for the conversion of unsaturated to saturated bonds. The hydrogenation using cold plasma did not result in the formation of trans-fatty acids. However, some reports have shown insignificant levels of trans-fatty acids and secondary lipid oxidation compounds after the plasma treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the plasma parameters, feed gas type and composition, processing condition to avoid practical implications. It can be concluded that after the detailed investigation of role of reactive species in the partial hydrogenation of oils cold plasma can be considered as an alternative technology.