monoglycerides of fatty acids occurrence in nature: synthesis, properties, and uses

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.