The global demand for oils and lipids, particularly those derived from vegetable sources with high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, has posed significant challenges for the food industry. This trend is largely driven by growing consumer awareness of health and nutrition. To meet this demand, it is essential to not only identify richer sources of lipids but also develop efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods for their extraction, isolation, and characterization. In this context, the present work provides a comprehensive review of current perspectives on the extraction, isolation, and identification of lipids and fatty acids, comparing conventional and green methodologies for food applications. Ideally, analytical and processing methodologies for obtaining food-grade materials should prioritize low energy consumption, minimal or no use of hazardous substances, and the generation of non-polluting residues, thereby safeguarding both human health and the environment. In recent years, green extraction techniques have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional methods, offering partial or complete replacements, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical and subcritical fluid extraction, and others. However, significant advancements are still required to fully address these concerns. Techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry play pivotal roles in the isolation and identification process, especially gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry or with flame ionization detectors; while separating individual fatty acids based on their chain length and degree of unsaturation, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is quite a helpful approach. Furthermore, the isolation and structural elucidation of fatty acids are critical steps in ensuring the nutritional quality and commercial viability of lipid products.

This review highlights recent progress in the sustainable extraction, production and application of plant fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites. The review mainly focuses on properties of these materials—mechanical, thermal, and interfacial—and explores how factors such as fiber type, extraction methods, and surface treatments (e.g., enzymatic retting, deep eutectic solvents, steam explosion) affect fiber morphology and bonding with the polymer matrix. The work also discusses strategies to select and modify biopolymer matrices (e.g., PLA, PHA) for better compatibility, recyclability, and long-term performance, addressing challenges like fire resistance and environmental impact. Special attention is given to cellulose surface modification, which improves wettability and interfacial adhesion, while highlighting alternatives to conventional chemical treatments due to cellulose’s high crystallinity and strong hydrogen bonding. Despite advances in surface treatments and manufacturing, persistent challenges include moisture sensitivity, processing reproducibility, and standardization. Future research should prioritize application-tailored extraction, scalable eco-friendly modifications, and standardized testing to optimize durability and circular economy alignment. These fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites offer a viable path to fossil-free, high-performance materials. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive perspective that bridges sustainability and industrial applicability, offering practical guidance for developing high-performance, eco-friendly composites.