Preparation of biosurfactants via fermentation

Sophorolipids possessing lactone rings are generally more lipophilic than rhanmoUpids and are less sensitive to pH, and often have a lower surface activity per mass than rhamnolipids. They are typically obtained from bacteria or yeasts, particularly from Candida sp. Fermentation is often conducted under nitrogen starvation conditions, with abundant dissolved oxygen being present (Pinzon et al., 2009). Sophorolipids can undergo chemical or enzymatic modification to further tune their surface-active properties (Ashby et al, 2009). 

Glycolipid-type biosurfactants are employed in a variety of applications, due to their high surface activity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. RhamnoUpids are useful in bioremediation and enhanced oil recovery (Pinzon et al., 2009). Sophorolipids are employed in food encapsulation and, more recently, in dishwasher detergents, and have biomedical applications (Kitamoto et al, 2009 Ashby et al., 2009). Mannosylerythritol lipids have several biomedical applications, including the treatment of tumors and as antimicrobial agents (Arutchelvi et al., 2008). Mannosylerythritol lipids, sophorolipids, and several other glycolipid biosurfactants have numerous applications in cosmetics (Lourith and Kanlayavattanakul, 2009). Trehalose lipids have several environmental and biomedical applications (Franzetti et al., 2010). 

Acosta EJ, Saad SMI, Kang N, Policova Z, Hair ML Neumann AW. 2009. Lung surfactants formulation, evaluation, and polymeric additives. In Hayes, D.G., Kitamoto, D., Solaiman, D.K.Y. Ashby, R.D. (editors). Bio-based Surfactants and Detergents Synthesis, Properties, and Applications. Champaign, IL American Oil Chemists Society Press, pp. 191-229. 

Ahmad S, Siwayanan P, Abd Murad Z, Abd Aziz H Seng Soi H. 2007. Beyond biodiesel methyl esters as the route for the production of surfactants feedstock. INFORM 18(4) 216-220. 

Ahmed MMM, Hafez EE El-Saadani MA. 2009. Biodegradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons by recombinant bacteria containing Alasan gene. International Journal of Environment and Pollution 3 8(4) 415-424. 

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