What are biosurfactants?
Biological surfactants are surface-active substances of biological origin, produced by Micro-organisms such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Unlike synthetic surfactants, which are often produced from petrochemicals, biosurfactants are produced using biotechnological fermentation processes from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils or sugar molasses.
How are biosurfactants produced?
The production process involves fermentation: microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi produce the surfactants as part of their natural metabolism from renewable raw materials – without the use of any petrochemical feedstocks.
How do bio-surfactants differ from synthetic surfactants?
Biological surfactants and other surfactants differ primarily in the following respects:
- Origin: Bio-surfactants are derived from natural sources such as microorganisms, plants or animal products, whilst synthetic surfactants are usually derived from petrochemical sources.
- Manufacturing process: Biological surfactants are produced through biotechnological processes, whilst synthetic surfactants are produced through chemical synthesis.
- Chemical structure: Both usually consist of a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail; the exact structure of biosurfactants varies depending on the microorganism.
- Environmental sustainability: Bio-surfactants are generally more readily biodegradable and less toxic.
- Features: Both reduce surface tension, stabilise emulsions and form foam – the exact effect depends on their chemical structure.
What properties make biosurfactants so versatile?
Biological surfactants have a wide range of useful properties:
- Surface activity: Reduces the surface tension of liquids and improves the wetting of surfaces.
- Emulsifying properties: Stabilise oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
- Foaming: Useful in cleaning products and cosmetics.
- Biodegradability: Derived from natural sources, and therefore less harmful to the environment than many synthetic surfactants.
- Less toxic: Safer for people and the environment.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in cleaning products, cosmetics, food additives and medicines.
Why are bio-surfactants so effective at cleaning?
Bio-surfactants are effective because they act through several mechanisms simultaneously:
- Wettability: Water penetrates fine pores and gaps more efficiently.
- Emulsifying properties: Oils, fats and poorly soluble contaminants are suspended in water and removed.
- Unlocking force: Bonds on the surface of dirt particles are destabilised.
- Foaming: Helps to loosen and wash away dirt.
- Low levels of residues: Surfaces stay cleaner than with some synthetic surfactants.
Combined with its biodegradability and lower toxicity, this results in an effective cleaning action that does not harm the environment.
Why are biosurfactants particularly suitable for the cleaning industry?
Bio-surfactants offer the cleaning industry key advantages: effective cleaning performance, a low environmental impact and a high level of safety for humans. They reliably emulsify fats and oils, making them ideal for degreasers and specialist cleaners such as liquid oil binders.
- Environmental friendliness: Biodegradable, lower risk of environmental pollution.
- Health safety: Less toxic and less irritating to the skin than many synthetic surfactants.
- Efficiency: Often more effective at removing dirt and oils, even in small concentrations.
Where are bio-surfactants used in the cleaning industry?
- Specialist cleaners: For demanding tasks such as removing stubborn oil and grease stains.
- All-purpose cleaner: For the effective cleaning of various surfaces without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Dishwashing liquid: Removes grease and food residues without irritating the skin.
- Detergent: They improve washing performance at low temperatures and are gentle on colours and fibres.