The author’s group has developed methods for concerning structural conversion for lipids and organic synthesis of lipids for many years and has conducted functional analysis of various lipids using these techniques. In this paper, we provide an overview of research results using these techniques, including: 1) research on trans fatty acid isomers and their formation mechanisms; 2) research on fatty acid structures and their combustion in the body; and 3) research on clarifying the disposition of administered fatty acids in the body using stable isotope-labeled fatty acids.
Homogeneous polyoxypropylene (PO)-polyoxyethylene (EO)-type novel nonionic surfactants and homogeneous EO-type novel nonionic surfactants with multi-branched double chains were synthesized, and their adsorption and aggregation properties were investigated. Furthermore, the microstructures of the foams formed by the amino acid-type novel surfactant and homogeneous EO-type surfactant with multi-branched double chains were investigated by using small-angle neutron scattering. The information such as the thickness of the foam film, the presence of micelles in the foam film, and the average radius of the bubbles was clarified.