A systematic review on the acyl migration in enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids: Mechanisms, influencing factors, evaluation methods, and future prospects

Structured lipids (SLs) are modified triacylglycerols with specific physicochemical or nutritional properties. Acyl migration is a universal chemical phenomenon observed during interesterification, a critical process in the enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of SLs. Acyl migration causes shifts in the positional composition of lipids that bring changes in function. Recent advances in understanding acyl migration during lipase-catalyzed interesterification reactions were systematically summarized, offering a comprehensive overview of its mechanisms and influencing factors. The current research on acyl migration has been mainly at the level of enzymatic reactions, and the evaluation methods of acyl migration degree need further exploration. It is necessary to investigate the acyl migration throughout the production of SLs. A thorough investigation into the factors influencing rates of interesterification, hydrolysis, and randomization, along with their underlying mechanisms, is imperative for the efficient development of specialized SL products.