Structured Lipids: Synthesis, Genetic Engineering, and Applications

ABSTRACT Lipids are essential to the human body, but some can be harmful. As a result, current research focuses on structured lipids (SLs), which are engineered to have specific fatty acid arrangements. These structural modifications can enhance both nutritional and physical properties. Fatty acids on the glycerol backbone can be rearranged through chemical, enzymatic, or genetic methods. Numerous studies have identified and characterized genes involved in SL biosynthesis. Among SLs, the medium‐long‐medium type is, particularly, valuable for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Considering the gap in comprehensive comparisons between chemical, enzymatic, and genetic‐based synthesis methods, this review aims to highlight the methods used for SLs production. As health awareness grows, SLs are expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting human health, notably as nutraceuticals and functional foods, in clinical nutrition and therapeutics, in weight management, in infant formula, and as pharmaceutical carriers.