Individual subject course in Practical Lipid Chemistry: Synthesis and Analysis of lipid substrates
Course description
This course offers an introduction to the world of lipid synthesis and analysis, combining essential theory with extensive hands-on laboratory experience.
Students will learn how to create and modify important lipid molecules such as DAGs, TAGs, and acyl-CoA derivatives using both chemical and enzyme- based methods. The course highlights real research challenges, including controlling lipid structure and troubleshooting synthesis reactions, while also teaching modern analytical techniques like TLC, GC, and HPLC to verify lipid purity and composition. By the end of the course, students will gain practical skills highly relevant to lipid research, biotechnology, and biochemical applications.
Course facts
P000190, Individual subject course in Practical Lipid Chemistry: Synthesis and Analysis of lipid substrates, 5.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN-LTV, 2026-06-08
Valid from : First half-year 2026 (2026-01-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Biology
Grading Scale
One-grade scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
• explain the structure and properties of important lipid substrates, including DAGs, TAGs, and acyl-CoA derivatives
• design and perform chemical and enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of lipid substrates
• distinguish between different stereoisomeric and regioisomeric lipid structures and evaluate sn-position specificity
• identify and troubleshoot common challenges in lipid synthesis, including acyl migration and reacylation
• synthesize acyl-CoA derivatives using different fatty acids, including radiolabeled and non-labeled forms
• apply TLC, GC, and HPLC methods to analyze lipid purity, fatty acid composition, and structural identity
• interpret analytical data to evaluate the quality and structure of synthesized lipid substrates
Content
Objective: The aim of the course is to provide theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills in the synthesis, modification, and analytical characterization of lipid substrates.
Content
• Principles of lipid chemistry and structure (DAGs, TAGs, acyl-CoA).
• Chemical and enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of lipid substrates.
• Regio- and stereoselectivity in lipid synthesis (sn-position specificity, acyl migration).
• Synthesis of stereoisomeric DAGs and acyl-CoA derivatives (including radiolabeled forms).
• Analytical techniques for lipid characterization: TLC, GC (FAME), and HPLC.
• Troubleshooting strategies in lipid synthesis and analysis.
Pedagogical form: Meetings with the course leader (Ida Lager) and organic chemist Björn Bohman (Dep of Plant Protection) to discuss synthesis protocols and its optimization, theoretical aspects of chemical synthesis, and relevant scientific literature. These discussions run in parallel with laboratory work and are adapted to the practical challenges and problem-solving needs that arise during the lab works. Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on experimental work, protocol optimization, and applying scientific literature to support troubleshooting and method development.
Examples of literature included (more papers will be added during the course to cover topics that have arisen from the laboratory work)
• Madankar, C. S., A. S.Bhagat, E. K.Nasser, A. B.Altemimi, F.Cacciola, and N.Mahna. 2025. “Structured Lipids: Synthesis, Genetic Engineering, and Applications.” Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society102, no. 9: 1325–1337. https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12970.
• Willis, W.M. and Marangoni, A.G. (1999), Assessment of lipase- and chemically catalyzed lipid modification strategies for the production of structured lipids. J Amer Oil Chem Soc, 76: 443-450.
• Devi, B. L. A. P., Zhang, H., Damstrup, M. L., Guo, Z., Zhang, L., Lue, B.-M., & Xu, X. (2008). Enzymatic synthesis of designer lipids. OCL - Oleagineux Corps Gras Lipides, 15(3), 189-195.
• Eichmann, T. O., & Lass, A. (2015). DAG tales: the multiple faces of diacylglycerol— stereochemistry, metabolism, and signaling. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 72(20), 3931-3952.
• Kim, B. H., & Akoh, C. C. (2015). Recent research trends on the enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids. Journal of Food Science, 80(8), C1713-C1724.
• Xu, X. (2000). Production of specific‐structured triacylglycerols by lipase‐catalyzed
reactions: a review. European journal of lipid science and technology, 102(4), 287-303.
• Iwasaki, Y., & Yamane, T. (2000). Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 10(1-3), 129-140.
• Xu, X., Mu, H., Skands, A.R.H., Høy, C.E. and Adler-Nissen, J. (1999), Parameters affecting diacylglycerol formation during the production of specific-structured lipids by lipase-catalyzed interesterification. J Amer Oil Chem Soc, 76: 175-181.
• Majumder, D., Saha, T., Bhattacharya, D., Singh, S., Rajeev, M., Nag, M., ... & Pandit,
S. (2026). Comparative Analysis of Translational Innovations in Sn-2 and Sn-1, 3- Specific Lipase-Mediated Regioselective Catalysis for Enhanced Diacylglycerol Production. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
• Bogojevic, O., & Leung, A. E. (2020). Enzyme-assisted synthesis of high-purity, chain- deuterated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Acs Omega, 5(35), 22395-22401.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved written protocols (standard protocol and protocol with mechanistic and troubleshooting explanations) and Literature study: Critically analyze literature, discussing recent publications in lipid synthesis, regio- and stereoselectivity, and analytical methods.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Plant Breeding