https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6260-8498
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Abstract
Sucrose esters have been deployed as surfactants in many food products since the 1950s. In addition to their useful physical characteristics, sucrose esters also have interesting biological properties that enhance their utility. This review critically examines the broad suite of biological activities that has been attributed to both synthetically-derived and naturally-occurring sucrose esters. These include insecticidal, molluscicidal, plant growth-regulating, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-depressive, neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodial effects. In addition to providing a summary of the structure-activity profiles of sucrose esters, the various known mechanisms-of action of these compounds are also discussed. Furthermore, since sucrose esters are well-known surfactants, the potential to advantageously apply their industrially desirable physical characteristics in combination with their biological properties is considered. Recent advances in synthetic chemistry that have facilitated the deployment of biologically active sucrose esters as food additives are also described.
Authors’ contributions
LVW and MGB supervised, conceptualized and designed the manuscript. YT wrote the original draft of the manuscript as well as preparing the associated figures and tables while PL, LVW and MGB secured the funding for this project. PL, LVW and MGB edited and critically revised the manuscript. All authors were involved in producing the final version of the manuscript and have agreed to this being published.
Disclosure statement
The authors are not aware of any affiliations, memberships, funding, or financial holdings that might be perceived as affecting the objectivity of this review.