Nature-Guided Synthesis of Advanced Bio-Lubricants

Authors

Trevor Romsdahl, University of North Texas
Asghar Shirani, University of North Texas
Robert E. Minto, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Chunyu Zhang, Huazhong Agricultural University
Edgar B. Cahoon, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kent D. Chapman, University of North TexasFollow
Diana Berman, University of North TexasFollow

ORCID IDs

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9075-9771

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7277-1176

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

8-12-2019

Citation

The Author(s) 2019

Comments

Scientific Reports | (2019) 9:11711 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48165-6

Abstract

Design of environmentally friendly lubricants derived from renewable resources is highly desirable for many practical applications. Here, Orychophragmus violaceus (Ov) seed oil is found to have superior lubrication properties, and this is based on the unusual structural features of the major lipid species— triacylglycerol (TAG) estolides. Ov TAG estolides contain two non-hydroxylated, glycerol-bound fatty acids (FAs) and one dihydroxylated FA with an estolide branch. Estolide branch chains vary in composition and length, leading to their thermal stability and functional properties. Using this concept, nature-guided estolides of castor oil were synthesized. As predicted, they showed improved lubrication properties similar to Ov seed oil. Our results demonstrate a structure-based design of novel lubricants inspired by natural materials.