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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Sustainable Biofuels and Co-products Research » People & Locations » Helen Ngo
Helen Le Ngo (PhD)
Sustainable Biofuels and Co-products Research
Research Chemist

Phone: (215) 233-6643 ext. 6643
Fax: (215) 233-6795

(Employee information on this page comes from the REE Directory. Please contact your front office staff to update the REE Directory.)

Projects
Antibacterial Thermosetting Bio-Polymers Derived from Non-Edible Oils
Cooperative Agreement (A)
  Accession Number: 440617
Antibacterial Thermosetting Bio-Polymers Derived from Non-Edible Oils
Cooperative Agreement (A)
  Accession Number: 441396
Chemical Conversion of Biomass into High Value Products
In-House Appropriated (D)
  Accession Number: 439256
Antibacterial Thermosetting Bio-Polymers Derived from Non-Edible Oils
Interagency Reimbursable Agreement (I)
  Accession Number: 440390

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon Reprint Icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
Utilization of brewer’s spent grain for isolation of functional components - (Abstract Only)
Coating with phenolic branched-chain fatty acid reduces Listeria innocua populations on apple fruit Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ryu, V.N., Uknalis, J., Lew, H.N., Jin, Z.T., Fan, X. 2024. Coating with phenolic branched-chain fatty acid reduces Listeria innocua populations on apple fruit. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 419:110748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110748.
Cold-flow properties of estolides: The older (D97 and D2500) versus the mini-(D5773 and D5949) methods Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bantchev, G.B., Lew, H.N., Chen, Y., Winfield, D.D., Cermak, S.C. 2024. Cold-flow properties of estolides: The older (D97 and D2500) versus the mini-(D5773 and D5949) methods. Lubricants. https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050141.
Bio-based phenolic branched-chain fatty acid emulsion achieved similar reductions of Listeria innocua population on apple fruit as chlorinated water Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ryu, V.N., Chuesiang, P., Uknalis, J., Lew, H.N., Jin, Z.T., Fan, X. 2024. Bio-based phenolic branched-chain fatty acid emulsion achieved similar reductions of Listeria innocua population on apple fruit as chlorinated water. Food Control. 10(3):e24901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24901.
Synthesis and lubricant properties of isostearic and isooleic based biolubricants - (Abstract Only)
Mechanism of synergistic photoinactivation utilizing curcumin and lauric arginate ethyl ester against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ryu, V.N., Uknalis, J., Corradini, M.G., Chuesiang, P., McLandsborough, L., Lew, H.N., Jin, Z.T., Fan, X. 2023. Mechanism of synergistic photoinactivation utilizing curcumin and lauric arginate ethyl ester against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua. Food Chemistry. 12(23):4195. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234195.
Antibacterial agents from waste grease: arylation of brown grease fatty acids with beechwood creosote and derivatization Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kazem Rostami, M., Ryu, V.N., Wagner, K., Jones, K.C., Mullen, C.A., Wyatt, V.T., Wu, C., Ashby, R.D., Fan, X., Lew, H.N. 2023. Antibacterial agents from waste grease: Arylation of brown grease fatty acids with beechwood creosote and derivatization. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05767.
Synthesized biolubricants from naturally derived oleic acid: oxidative stability and cold flow performance Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sarker, M.I., Mainali, K., Sharma, B.K., Yadav, M.P., Lew, H.N., Ashby, R.D. 2023. Synthesized biolubricants from naturally derived oleic acid: Oxidative stability and cold flow performance. Industrial Crops and Products. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.117315.
Green synthesis and property analysis of biolubricants based on structural variations Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sarker, M.I., Sharma, B.K., Lew, H.N., Muir, Z.E., Jones, K.C. 2023. Green synthesis and property analysis of biolubricants based on structural variations. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c02996.
Creating new water-soluble Iso- and n-fatty acid arginate hydrochloride with antimicrobial properties Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, J., Huang, K., Fan, X., Strahan, G.D., Nunez, A., Sarker, M.I., Lew, H.N. 2023. Creating new water-soluble Iso- and n-fatty acid arginate hydrochloride with antimicrobial properties. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.202300012.
Green synthesis of trimethylolpropane triisostearate and triisooleate for usage as bio-lubricants Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sarker, M.I., Lew, H.N., Sharma, B.K., Wagner, K., Jones, K.C., Powell, M.J. 2023. Green synthesis of trimethylolpropane triisostearate and triisooleate for usage as bio-lubricants. Tribology International. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108649.
Synthesis and physical properties of iso-oleic estolides - (Abstract Only)
Cermak, S.C., Biresaw, G., Chen, Y., Chen, L., Lew, H.N., Wagner, K., Vermillion, K. 2023. Synthesis and physical properties of iso-oleic estolides [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society Annual Meeting & Expo.
Lipid oxidation and volatile compounds of almonds as affected by gaseous chlorine dioxide treatment to reduce salmonella populations - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wang, W., Smith, D.J., Lew, H.N., Jin, Z.T., Mitchell, A., Fan, X. 2023. Lipid oxidation and volatile compounds of almonds as affected by gaseous chlorine dioxide treatment to reduce salmonella populations. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 71(130):5345-5357.
Sustainable bio-based antimicrobials derived from fatty acids: synthesis, safety, and efficacy Reprint Icon - (Review Article)
Ryu, V.N., Chuesiang, P., Lew, H.N., Ashby, R.D., Fan, X. 2022. Sustainable bio-based antimicrobials derived from fatty acids: synthesis, safety, and efficacy. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2160430.
Synergistic photoinactivation of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua by curcumin and lauric arginate ethyl ester micelles Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ryu, V.N., Chuesiang, P., Corradini, M., McLandsborough, L., Jin, Z.T., Lew, H.N., Fan, X. 2022. Synergistic photoinactivation of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua by curcumin and lauric arginate ethyl ester micelles. LWT - Food Science and Technology. 173:114317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114317.
Iso-oleic estolides with superior cold flow properties - (Abstract Only)
Cermak, S.C., Biresaw, G., Chen, Y., Chen, L., Ngo, H., Wagner, K., Vermillion, K.E. 2022. Iso-oleic estolides with superior cold flow properties [abstract]. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Annual Meeting. p. 61.
Iso-oleic estolide products with superior cold flow properties Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Biresaw, G., Chen, Y., Chen, L., Ngo, H., Wagner, K., Vermillion, K., Cermak, S.C. 2022. Iso-oleic estolide products with superior cold flow properties. Industrial Crops and Products. 182. Article 114857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114857.
Structure-activity relationship of antibacterial bio-based epoxy polymers made from phenolic branched fatty acids Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Huang, K., Fan, X., Ashby, R.D., Lew, H.N. 2021. Structure-activity relationship of antibacterial bio-based epoxy polymers made from phenolic branched fatty acids. Progress in Organic Coatings. 155:106228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2021.106228.
Synthesis of Dimer Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Esters and their Physicochemical Properties as Biolubricant Base Stock and their Potential as Additive in Commercial Base Oils Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Isah, S., Zhang, J., Biresaw, G., Strahan, G.D., Nunez, A., Wyatt, V.T., Ngo, H, Ozbay, G. 2021. Synthesis of Dimer Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Esters and their Physicochemical Properties as Biolubricant Base Stock and their Potential as Additive in Commercial Base Oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 98(6):683–695. https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12455.
An advanced process for producing structurally selective dimer acids to meet new industrial uses Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, J., Nunez, A., Strahan, G.D., Ashby, R.D., Huang, K., Moreau, R.A., Yan, Z., Chen, L., Lew, H.N. 2020. An advanced process for producing structurally selective dimer acids to meet new industrial uses. Industrial Crops and Products. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112132.
Fatty acid estolides: A review Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chen, Y., Biresaw, G., Cermak, S.C., Isbell, T., Ngo, H.L., Chen, L., Durham, A.L. 2020. Fatty acid estolides: A review. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 97(3)231-241. https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12323.
Life cycle environmental and cost implications of alternative feedstocks and conversion processes for isostearic acid production for pharmaceutical and personal care products Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Riazi, B., Zhang, J., Yee, W.C., Lew, H.N., Spatari, S. 2019. Life cycle environmental and cost implications of alternative feedstocks and conversion processes for isostearic acid production for pharmaceutical and personal care products. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 7:15247-15258. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b02238.
Synthesis and anti-Listeria properties of odorless hybrid bio-based poly-phenolic vegetable branched-chain fatty acids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N., Wagner, K., Yan, Z., Moreau, R.A., Fan, X. 2019. Synthesis and anti-Listeria properties of odorless hybrid bio-based poly-phenolic vegetable branched-chain fatty acids. Journal of Food Chemistry. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/33456702.
The effect of branched-chain fatty acid alkyl esters (BCAE) on the cold-flow properties of biodiesel Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dunn, R.O., Wyatt, V.T., Wagner, K., Lew, H.N., Hums, M.E. 2019. The effect of branched-chain fatty acid alkyl esters (BCAE) on the cold-flow properties of biodiesel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 96(7):805-823. https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12226.
Effect of isomerization on the physical and tribological properties of oleic acid - (Abstract Only)
Biresaw, G., Lew, H.N., Dunn, R.O., Bantchev, G.B., Harry O Kuru, R.E. 2019. Effect of isomerization on the physical and tribological properties of oleic acid [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting & Exhibition, May 19-23, 2019, Nashville, TN.
Investigation of the physical and tribological properties of Iso-oleic acid Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Biresaw, G., Ngo, H., Dunn, R.O. 2018. Investigation of the physical and tribological properties of Iso-oleic acid. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12177.
Development of magnesium oxide-zeolite catalysts for isomerization of fatty acids Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, J., Uknalis, J., Moreau, R.A., Lew, H.N. 2019. Development of magnesium oxide-zeolite catalysts for isomerization of fatty acids. Catalysis Letters. 149:303-312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-018-2601-3.
New classes of antimicrobials: poly-phenolic branch-chained fatty acids - (Book / Chapter)
Lew, H.N., Wagner, K., Zhang, J., Nunez, A., Fan, X., Moreau, R.A. 2018. New classes of antimicrobials: poly-phenolic branch-chained fatty acids. Natural and Bio-Based Antimicrobials for Food Application. ACS Symposium Series: American Chemical Society: Washington DC, 2018. 209-221.
Lubricity of biobased diesel fuels and additives - (Abstract Only)
Dunn, R.O., Lew, H.N., Knothe, G.H. 2018. Lubricity of biobased diesel fuels and additives [abstract]. International Symposium on Surfactants in Solution. p.18.
A review: Natural and bio-based antimicrobials for food applications - (Book / Chapter)
Fan, X., Lew, H.N., Wu, C. 2018. A review: Natural and bio-based antimicrobials for food applications.In: Fan, X., Ngo, H., Wu, C. (eds.), Natural and Bio-based Antimicrobials for Food Applications, Washington DC: ACS Publications. pp:1-24.
Bio-based phenolic-branched-chain fatty acid isomers synthesized from vegetable oils and natural monophenols using modified h+-ferrierite zeolite - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Yan, Z., Wagner, K., Fan, X., Nunez, A., Moreau, R.A., Lew, H.N. 2018. Bio-based phenolic-branched-chain fatty acid isomers synthesized from vegetable oils and natural monophenols using modified h+-ferrierite zeolite. Industrial Crops and Products. 114:115-122.
Poly-phenolic branched-chain fatty acids as potential bio-based odorless liquid antimicrobial agents - (Popular Publication)
Lew, H.N., Fan, X., Moreau, R.A. 2018. Poly-phenolic branched-chain fatty acids as potential bio-based odorless liquid antimicrobial agents. Popular Publication. 29(3):20-22.
Synthesis, chemical characterization, and economical feasibility of poly-phenolic-branched-chain fatty acids: Synthesis of poly-phenolic-branched-chain fatty acids Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N., Wagner, K., Yan, Z., Nunez, A., Yee, W.C., Fan, X., Moreau, R.A. 2017. Synthesis, chemical characterization, and economical feasibility of poly-phenolic-branched-chain fatty acids: Synthesis of poly-phenolic-branched-chain fatty acids. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. doi: 10.1002/ejit.201600380.
Synthesis and low temperature characterization of iso-oleic ester derivatives Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N., Latona, R.J., Wagner, K., Nunez, A., Ashby, R.D., Dunn, R.O. 2016. Synthesis and low temperature characterization of iso-oleic ester derivatives. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. 118:1915-1925.
Branched-chain fatty acid methyl esters as cold flow improvers for biodiesel Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dunn, R.O., Lew, H.N., Haas, M.J. 2015. Branched-chain fatty acid methyl esters as cold flow improvers for biodiesel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 92(6):853-869. DOI: 10.1007/s11746-015-2643-2.
Lewis base additives improve the zeolite ferrierite-catalyzed synthesis of isostearic acid Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N. 2015. Lewis base additives improve the zeolite ferrierite-catalyzed synthesis of isostearic acid. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 92:613-619.
Improved synthesis of isostearic acid using zeolite catalysts Reprint Icon - (Other)
Lew, H.N. 2014. Improved synthesis of isostearic acid using zeolite catalysts. Lipid Technology. 26(11-12):246-248.
Techno-economic analysis of an improved process for producing saturated branched-chain fatty acids Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N., Yee, W.C., Mcaloon, A.J., Haas, M.J. 2014. Techno-economic analysis of an improved process for producing saturated branched-chain fatty acids. Journal of Agricultural Science. 6(10):158-168.
Improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel by skeletal isomerization of fatty acid chains - (Abstract Only)
Dunn, R.O., Ngo, H., Haas, M.J. 2014. Improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel by skeletal isomerization of fatty acid chains [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society Annual Meeting & Expo. p. 44.
Improved zeolite regeneration processes for preparing saturated branched-chain fatty acids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H. 2014. Improved zeolite regeneration processes for preparing saturated branched-chain fatty acids. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. 116:645-652.
C18-unsaturated branched-chain fatty acid isomers: characterization and physical properties - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Dunn, R.O., Hoh, E. 2013. C18-unsaturated branched-chain fatty acid isomers: characterization and physical properties. European Journal of Science and Lipid Technology. 115:676-683.
Esterification and Transesterification of greases to fatty acid methyl esters with highly active diphenylamine salts - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Vanselous, H.N., Strahan, G.D., Haas, M.J. 2013. Esterification and Transesterification of greases to fatty acid methyl esters with highly active diphenylamine salts. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 90:563-570.
Process and cost modeling of saturated branched-chain fatty acid isomer production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Yee, W.C., Mcaloon, A.J., Haas, M.J. 2012. Process and cost modeling of saturated branched-chain fatty acid isomer production. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research. 51:12041-12045.
Selective microbial degradation of saturated methyl branched chain fatty acid isomers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Ashby, R.D., Nunez, A. 2012. Selective microbial degradation of saturated methyl branched chain fatty acid isomers. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. DOI: 10.1007/s11746-012-2092-0 89:1885-1893.
Esterification and transesterification of greases to fatty acid methyl esters with highly active diphanylammonium salts - (Abstract Only)
Improved synthesis and characterization of saturated branched-chain fatty acid isomers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lew, H.N., Hoh, E., Foglia, T. 2012. Improved synthesis and characterization of saturated branched-chain fatty acid isomers. European Journal of Science and Lipid Technology. 114:213-221.
Catalytic modification of fats and oils to value-added biobased products - (Abstract Only)
Zeolite-catalyzed additions of aromatic compounds to oleic acid - (Abstract Only)
Catalytic synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters from extremely low quality greases - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Xie, Z., Kasprzk, S., Haas, M.J., Lin, W. 2011. Catalytic synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters from extremely low quality greases. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 80:1417-1424.
Synthesis and physical properties of isostearic acids and their esters - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Dunn, R.O., Sharma, B., Foglia, T. 2010. Synthesis and physical properties of isostearic acids and their esters. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. 113:180-188.
Mesoporous Silica-Supported Diarylammonium Catalysts for Esterification of Free Fatty Acids in Greases - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Zafiropoulos, N.A., Foglia, T., Samulski, E.T., Lin, W. 2010. Mesoporous Silica-Supported Diarylammonium Catalysts for Esterification of Free Fatty Acids in Greases. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 87:445-452.
Methyl-branched poly(hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthesis from 13- methyltetradecanoic acid and mixed isostearic acid isomer substrates - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ashby, R.D., Ngo, H., Solaiman, D., Strahan, G.D. 2009. Methyl-branched poly(hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthesis from 13- methyltetradecanoic acid and mixed isostearic acid isomer substrates. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 85:359-370.
Developing sustainable strategies for biodiesel synthesis using high fatty acid feedstock - (Abstract Only)
Capabilities of Direct Sample Introduction - Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatgraphy-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry to Analyze Organic Chemicals of Interest in Fish Oils - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hoh, E., Lehotay, S.J., Mastovska, K., Ngo, H., Vetter, W., Pangallo, K.C., Reddy, C.M. 2009 Capabilities of Direct Sample Introduction - Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatgraphy-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry to Analyze Organic Chemicals of Interest in Fish Oils. Environmental Science and Technology. 43:3240-3247.
Simultaneous quantitation of multiple classes of organohalogen compounds in fish oils with direct sample introduction comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hoh, E., Lehotay, S.J., Mastovska, K., Ngo, H., Vetter, W., Pangallo, K., Reddy, C. 2009. Simultaneous quantitation of multiple classes of organohalogen compounds in fish oils with direct sample introduction comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57(7):2653-2660.
Efficient two-step synthesis of biodiesel from greases - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Zafiropoulos, N.A., Foglia, T., Samulski, E.T., Lin, W. 2008. Efficient two-step synthesis of biodiesel from greases. Energy and Fuels. 22(1):626-634.
Catalytic synthesis of biodiesel from high free fatty acid-containing feedstocks - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zafiropoulos, N.A., Ngo, H., Foglia, T.A., Samulski, E.T., Lin, W. 2007. Catalytic synthesis of biodiesel from high free fatty acid-containing feedstocks. Journal of the Chemical Society Chemical Communications. 3670-3672.
Synthesis of Long Chain Unsaturated-alpha,omega-Dicarboxylic Acids from Renewable Materials via Olefin Metathesis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Foglia, T.A. 2007. Synthesis of Long Chain Unsaturated-alpha,omega-Dicarboxylic Acids from Renewable Materials via Olefin Metathesis. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 84:777-784.
Zeolite-Catalyzed Isomerization of Oleic Acid to Branched-Chain Isomers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Nunez, A., Lin, W., Foglia, T.A. 2007. Zeolite-Catalyzed Isomerization of Oleic Acid to Branched-Chain Isomers. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. 108:214-224.
METATHESIS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS: SYNTHESIS OF LONG CHAIN UNSATURATED ALPHA, OMEGA-DICARBOXYLIC ACIDS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ngo, H., Jones, K.C., Foglia, T.A. 2006. Metathesis of unsaturated fatty acids: synthesis of long chain unsaturated alpha, omega-dicarboxylic acids. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 83(7)629-634.
CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS FROM UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS - (Abstract Only)
Ngo, H., Jones, K.C., Foglia, T.A. 2006. Catalytic synthesis of value-added products from unsaturated fatty acids [abstract]. Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society. p. 73.
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