Journal of Chemical Reviews
8.1(Q1)
CiteScore
37
h-index

Monoglycerides of Fatty Acids Occurrence in Nature: Synthesis, Properties, and Uses

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Nurbol Appazov 1
Bekzhan Alimkhan 1
Anipa Tapalova 2
Esenzhol Nazarov 2
Gulzat Askarova 3
Banu Diyarova 4

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 Department of Electric Power Engineering, Technosphere Safety and Ecology, Institute of Natural Science, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

4 Department of Chemistry, Institute of Natural Sciences, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

https://doi.org/10.48309/jcr.2026.553725.1517
Abstract
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.

Graphical Abstract

Monoglycerides of Fatty Acids Occurrence in Nature: Synthesis, Properties, and Uses

Keywords

Monoglycerides, Esterifica­
tion, Glycerolysis, Lipases, Emulsifiers

Subjects

Content

1. Introduction

2. Occurrence in Nature

2.1. Monoglycerides in plant oils and agricultural sources

2.2. Monoglycerides in animal tissues and marine organisms

3. Synthesis of Monoglycerides

3.1. Overview of the main approaches

3.2. Chemical and heterogeneous catalytic methods

3.3. Enzymatic methods

3.4. Intensification of monoglyceride synthesis processes

3.5. Catalyst concentration

3.6. Problems and prospects

4. Monoglyceride Applications

4.1. Application of monoglycerides in the food industry

4.2. Pharmaceuticals and delivery systems

4.3. Antibacterial and antiviral activity of monoglycerides

4.4. Feed and livestock: growth, gut health and immunomodulation

4.5. Cosmetics and personal care: Emulsifiers, emollients and carriers of active substances

4.6. Biomedicine: Wound healing, antimicrobial carriers, heat-sensitive matrices

4.7. Industrial and technical applications of monoglycerides: lubricants, UV-curable resins, biodiesel and analytics

4.8. Nanotechnology of food and pharmaceutical additives: Delivery of nutrients and antioxidants

4.9. Special applications of monoglycerides: Agrochemistry and plant growth regulation

5. Conclusion

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Journal of Chemical Reviews
Volume 8, Issue 2
March and April 2026
Pages 269-295

  • Receive Date 02 October 2025
  • Revise Date 01 November 2025
  • Accept Date 12 November 2025

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