Abstract
Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules, developed by nature through evolution and naturally produced by different microorganisms. The most prominent examples are rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, molecules which contain hydrophilic sugar head groups and hydrophobic alkyl residues leading to an amphiphilic behavior with unique properties. Recent developments in the field of biotechnology enable the large-scale production of these biological molecules. The raw material basis is 100% renewable since sugars and oils are used as major raw materials. Additionally, biosurfactants are fully biodegradable, which allows the path back into the natural cycles. In comparison to established standard surfactants like SLES/SLS (sodium laureth (ether) sulfates) or betaines, rhamnolipids are much milder and, at the same time, show similar or even better performance in household or personal care applications. Foam behavior, solubilization and cleaning effectiveness are examples where these natural substances give excellent results compared to the synthetic benchmarks. The commercialization of biosurfactants at industrial scale now offers alternatives to consumers seeking sustainable solutions, without compromising performance. Biosurfactants combine both and set a new standard for surfactant applications.
Highlights
Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules naturally synthetized by biological organisms like microorganisms, plants, and animals.[1]
The most prominent examples are rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, molecules which contain hydrophilic sugar head groups and hydrophobic alkyl residues leading to an amphiphilic behavior with unique properties
These results demonstrate the superior behavior of rhamnolipids in terms of mildness and low protein interaction, which is reasonable, since due to their natural origin from microorganisms, a negative effect on enzymes and proteins would be a disadvantage in evolution
Summary
Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules naturally synthetized by biological organisms like microorganisms, plants, and animals.[1]. In comparison to established standard surfactants like SLES/SLS (sodium laureth (ether) sulfates) or betaines, rhamnolipids are much milder and, at the same time, show similar or even better performance in household or personal care applications. 1. Introduction Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules naturally synthetized by biological organisms like microorganisms, plants, and animals.[1] Usually, these substances contain at least a hydrophilic head, and a lipophilic tail group.
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