Conjugated linoleic acids and conjugated vegetable oils: From nutraceutical to bio-polymer

Recent interest from academia, nutritionists, the chemical as well as the feed and food industry in conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and conjugated vegetable oils has grown spectacularly. CLA isomers, either in their natural or synthetic forms, have not only been associated with diverse health and physiological effects, but they are also interesting renewable compounds in the production of industrial products such as paints, glues, and polymers, due to their very reactive conjugated double bond system. Due to the depletion of the world crude oil reserves and the increasing trend to use renewable feedstock in the chemical industry, it is to be expected that the use of conjugated fatty acids and oils will continue to grow in the near future. As high amounts of CLAs and conjugated vegetable oils will be needed and natural resources are limited, efficient production processes are urgently needed. An efficient process for the production of CLA from methyl linoleate, using the Wilkinson catalyst, is described by Behr et al. in this issue of European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology.