Diacylglycerols (DAG) of varying chain lengths were synthesized and the acyl migrated samples with different 1,3-DAG/1,2-DAG ratios were obtained. The crystallization profile and surface adsorption differed depending on DAG structure. C12 and C14 DAGs formed small platelet- and needle-like crystals at the oil-air interface which can better reduce surface tension and pack in an ordered lamellar structure in oil. The acyl migrated DAGs with higher ratios of 1,2-DAG showed reduced crystal size and lower oil-air interfacial activity. C14 and C12 DAG oleogels exhibited higher elasticity and whipping ability with crystal shells surrounding bubbles, whereas C16 and C18 DAG oleogels had low elasticity and limited whipping ability due to the formation of aggregated needle-like crystals and loose gel network. Thus, acyl chain length dramatically influences the gelation and foaming behaviors of DAGs whereas the isomers exert little influence. This study provides basis for applying DAG of different structures in food products.
Neutrophils are essential effector cells of immune system for clearing the extracellular pathogens during inflammation and immune reactions. Neutrophils play a major role in chronic respiratory diseases. In respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and others, there occurs extreme infiltration and activation of neutrophils followed by a cascade of events like oxidative stress and dysregulated cellular proteins that eventually result in apoptosis and tissue damage. Dysregulation of neutrophil effector functions including delayed neutropil apoptosis, increased neutrophil extracellular traps in the pathogenesis of asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enable neutrophils as a potential therapeutic target. Accounting to their role in pathogenesis, neutrophils present as an excellent therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. This review highlights the current status and the emerging trends in novel drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, and other newer nanosystems that can target neutrophils and their molecular pathways, in the airways against infections, inflammation, and cancer. These drug delivery systems are promising in providing sustained drug delivery, reduced therapeutic dose, improved patient compliance, and reduced drug toxicity. In addition, the review also discusses emerging strategies and the future perspectives in neutrophil-based therapy.