Phospholipid Production

The primary differences between natural phospholipids and synthetic phospholipids lie in their physicochemical properties, molecular structure and function, sources, and preparation processes.

Physicochemical Properties

Natural phospholipids are mixtures of one or more phospholipids, primarily lecithin (phosphatidylcholine, PC), which exhibit good physiological activity such as scavenging free radicals, delaying aging, improving lipid metabolism, preventing and treating arteriosclerosis, forming cell membranes, enhancing immune function, promoting nerve conduction, and boosting brain vitality. Semi-synthetic phospholipids are mixtures, while fully synthetic phospholipids are single compounds with relatively uniform but more stable properties. Semi-synthetic phospholipids undergo chemical modifications that alter their functions. For example, hydroxylation increases hydrophilicity and dispersibility; hydrogenation increases saturation and stability. Fully synthetic phospholipids can have controlled functional groups, offering stable properties and easy control of particle size, making the resulting liposomes more stable.

Molecular Structure and Function

The amphiphilic nature of natural phospholipids gives them unique dual characteristics, with molecules composed of hydrophilic and lipophilic parts. This enables beneficial interactions with skin cells, such as forming liposomes similar to the basic structure of cell membranes. Although synthetic phospholipids retain the basic molecular structure of phospholipids, their single-component and customizable nature may make their functions more suited to specific industrial or medical applications.

Sources and Preparation Processes

Natural phospholipids are primarily derived from natural sources like soybeans and egg yolks, extracted and purified through physical means. For instance, ordinary egg yolk lecithin PL-100M consists mainly of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine (about 80%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (about 15%). Synthetic phospholipids, on the other hand, are synthesized through multiple chemical reactions starting from materials such as glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate esters.

Conclusion

The main distinctions between natural and synthetic phospholipids are their sources, preparation processes, physicochemical properties, and molecular structure and function. Natural phospholipids come from natural materials and have complex compositions and various physiological activities. Synthetic phospholipids, synthesized chemically, have single components with stable properties that can be customized according to specific needs.