Renewable Resources Derived Glycolipids as a Structuring Agent: A Promising Platform Chemical for Oleogel and Organogel Formation

Abstract

The demand for safe, edible structuring agents across industries such as food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology has intensified over recent decades. In particular, there is a pressing need to replace trans and saturated fatty acids, known contributors to cardiovascular and other health issues, with healthier alternatives. This study introduces a new class of glycolipid-based structuring agents synthesized from monosaccharides and ricinoleic acid, both classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The straightforward synthesis method yields compounds capable of self-assembling in various vegetable oils and solvents, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, and poly(ethylene glycol), forming stable oleogels and organogels via diverse intermolecular interactions. Morphological investigations using optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) reveal a globular microarchitecture within these molecular gels, with 75–150 nm diameters. Rheological analyses confirm the gels’ viscoelasticity, thermal processability, and thixotropic behavior, supporting their adaptability across various formulations. These findings underscore the potential of self-assembled glycolipids 5a and 5d, which form oleogels and organogels as versatile, health-conscious structuring agents with significant applications in food technology.