INFORM February 2026

STRUCTURED FATS INFORM 27

difference between the self assembly of stereoisomers is crucial for the formation of stable emulsions, especially in the food industry. The comparative study of the two sugar-based stereoisomeric gelators, M8 and S8, highlights the profound influence of stereochemistry on molecular self-assembly and material behavior. A seemingly minor change in the spatial orientation of a hydroxyl group at one of the carbon positions

transforms the hydrogen bonding network, leading to distinct packing arrangements and markedly different macroscopic behavior. This stereochemical control over structure and function underlines the sensitivity of supramolecular systems to molecular geometry and illustrates how small changes at the atomic level can yield entirely different bulk material properties. Beyond fundamental significance, these findings offer practical

strategies for tailoring soft materials, allowing researchers to design biobased gelators, emulsifiers, and delivery systems with targeted textural and functional attributes. Authors Pruthvi Kuruva, William Blodgett, Sai Sateesh Sagiri, and George John perform research at Center for Discovery and Innovation in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the City College of New York. For questions contact George John at gjohn@ccny.cuny.edu.

AOCS EVENTS WATCH May 3-6, 2026. AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit annualmeeting.aocs.org for more information. MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENTS Masterclass February 4, 2026, 10 a.m. CST (Chicago, USA; UTC-06) Designing, building, and characterizing new, renewable polymers from waste streams with Thomas Epps, III, Allan & Myra Ferguson Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware. INFORM Seminars New episodes are available on the third Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. CST (Chicago, USA; UTC-06). EAT, February 18, 2026 How stereoisomerism affects molecular assembly with George John, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at The City University of New York. H&N, March 18, 2026 Whether precision nutrition interventions impact BMI or body weight with Samantha Huey, research associate and nutrition group lead at Cornell University. PRO, April 15, 2026 Soybean extraction using 2-methyloxolane versus hexane with Julie Ducreux, process and engineering manager at Ecoxtract. Check for updates in upcoming issues of INFORM , at aocs.org, or contact us at general@aocs.org, +1 217-359-2344.