Work

Recent Advances in Cellular Synthesis of Structured Triacylglycerols

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are essential energy reservoirs and industrial raw materials, while structured TAGs (STAGs) with tailored fatty acid distributions possess unique nutritional and functional values but low natural abundance. Enzymatic synthesis is strictly limited by feedstock and cost, making microbial de novo synthesis via metabolic engineering a promising alternative. This review summarizes advances in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and its regulation, key enzymes in TAG synthesis (GPAT, LPAAT, and DGAT), and microbial production of major STAGs (OPO, MLM, CBEs, and PUFA-rich STAGs). Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed, promoting the shift toward rational design of functional STAGs.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal16050471

Authors: Jiayi Yang, Siyang Liu, Junfeng Liu

Institution: Beijing University of Chemical Technology

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China