Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE


Determine Tribological Requirements


Identify Molecular Structures to Modify


(VCLFAs, Estolides, Wax Esters)


Performance Assessment Identify Genes/Pathways


(FAE1, OvFAD2-2, OvFAE1-1)


Figure 3: A workflow chart of the genomics to tribology framework [5,6, 7].


increases molecular weight and viscosity, leading to these fatty acids maintaining a stable boundary layer between metal surfaces under high contact pressures [7]. Again, this is a valuable trait for tribological applications. Also, previously mentioned, the FAE1 elongase gene catalyses the addition of two-carbon units to existing fatty acid chains [6]. In Brassicaceae oilseed crops like crambe and rapeseed, naturally high FAE1 activity causes seed oils to contain 40-60% erucic acid [6]. On the other hand, mutations in the FAE1 gene, shown by canola and pennycress varieties with low-erucic activity, reduce VLCFA content to less than 5% of total fatty acids [7]. Specifically, for example, rapeseed oil has a higher erucic acid of 49.5% compared to 1.6% of canola oil. Canola oil also has a higher


34 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.191 FEBRUARY 2026


polyunsaturated FA content of 27.8% versus 20.9% in rapeseed oil [7]. Tribological data shows oils with elevated erucic acid possess coefficient of friction values 20-30% lower than lower erucic alternatives at temperatures from 100°C to 200°C, or realistic industrial settings [7]. Also, high-VLCFA oils show superior oxidative stability and reduced wear rates on steel surfaces at elevated temperatures [7]. The challenge in engineering VLCFA-rich oils for industrial application rests on balancing chain length with cold-flow properties, because excessive VLCFA content can contribute to crystallisation at room temperature. Still, metabolic engineering methods that overexpress FAE1 genes in desired crops for oils are a pathway to optimising high temperature bio-lubricant applications.


Success Refine


No.162 page 4 Genetic Engineering


(Transgenic Oilseed Crops)


Oil Extraction & Tribological Testing


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