Current research on the processing, safety evaluation and functional properties of aquatic-derived lipids considering the sustainable processing of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a critical review

Aquatic-derived organisms are one of the major sources of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are essential for human health, so it is a reasonable strategy to guide the development of aquatic-derived lipids by sustainable processing of Omega-3 PUFAs. However, challenges related to mining of nutritional functions and sustainable processing remain. This review firstly comprehensively explored the sources of aquatic lipids, focusing on the nutritional advantages of Omega-3 PUFAs, and examined how different processing techniques affect lipids quality and structure. Then, it also addressed safety concerns, particularly contamination from heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Emerging technologies including algae oil substitution and gene-editing techniques, were highlighted as promising solutions to enhance Omega-3 PUFAs content and improve production sustainability. Interestingly, algal oil was recognized that it could provide a more sustainable alternative to fish-derived oils, while gene-editing technologies offer the potential to boost Omega-3 PUFAs production in aquatic organisms. Besides, this review examined the processing by-products of aquatic lipids, and also explored how the core nutrient Omega-3 PUFAs contributed to heart health, brain function, and metabolic regulation from human effects and animal levels. Above all, this review presented suggested strategies to develop sustainable aquatic-derived lipids for use in functional foods.