Application of Saponins as Surfactants and Emulsifiers

Two major natural surfactants being used include lecithin, an emulsifier used in chocolate and ice cream manufacture, and plant saponins. However, the use of saponins has some limitations. First of all, these compounds are not as potent surfactants as the synthetic ones, and, second, the supply from plant sources has been quite limited, which makes these products less available and rather expensive. 

Late 1900s Mainly natural Glycosides and sugar esters 

Mid 1900s Completely synthetic Ethylene, propylene oxide copolymer 

Early 1900s Highly synthetic Sulphonated petroleum hydrocarbons 

From T. Hargreaves, Chem. Br., 2003, 39 (7), 38-41 (http //www.rsc.org/chemistryworlcl/lssues/2003/July/amphiphiles. asp). Reproduced by permission of The Royai Society of Chemistry. 

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