Physico-chemical Properties of the Biosurfactant Obtained from Fruit Extract of Genipa Americana L. and Tamarindus Indica L. and Its Application in Oil Removal

Abstract

In the last years, the industrial application of natural surfactants of origin of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains has increased due to its potential physicochemical properties (foaming, emulsification, solubilization, sweetener, bitterness) and biological activities (hemolytic, antimicrobial, insecticide). These natural alternatives are considered economically and environmentally viable and explored to various purposes including the bioremediation of soils contaminated by oils. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the surfactants properties of the ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the fruits Genipa americana L. (Genipap) and Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarinds) and their applications in oil removal. The physico-chemical analyzes performed were surface tension, emulsification activity using different hydrocarbons and vegetable oils, surface tension stability in different temperatures, pH and addition of salt, and test of dispersion. To evaluate the capacity of this extracts (biosurfactants) on oil removal in engine parts, small-scale tests were conducted using glass blade. The results showed that this ethyl acetate extracts obtained from fruits extract exhibited surfactant properties due to the reduction of the surface tension of water from 72mN/m to 31.57mN/m and 34.71mN/m with the critical micelle concentration of 0.95g/L e 1.9g/L, with the increase values of the emulsification activity ranging from 32% and 100%. The results also showed a considerable stability of these biosurfactants derived from fruit extract submitted to different temperature, pH and salt concentrations as well as their compatibility with chemical surfactants. The biosurfactants obtained from fruit extract of G. americana and T. indica can be considered new perspectives on oil removal from engine parts with future potential to be marketed and replace the application of chemical surfactants.