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Research Progress of Surfactants

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 20548

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Anna Zdziennicka

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Guest Editor

Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
Interests: adsorption; adhesion; biosurfactants; micellization; surfactants; wettability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The characteristic properties of surfactants are their ability to adsorb at various interfaces and form colloidal aggregates (micelles), making surfactants fascinating to study from both theoretical and practical perspectives. As the result of surfactant adsorption at the interface, a layer with specific properties is formed. The orientation of the surfactant molecules in the adsorption layer, its elasticity and packing determine the applications of surfactants as emulsifiers and detergents, as well as flotation and wetting agents. In turn, the formation of micelles with unique structures means that surfactants can be applied as solubilizers and catalysts.

In practice, multicomponent mixtures of different types of surfactants in the presence of (or without) organic and/or inorganic additives, are usually used, as opposed to single surfactants. The components of the mixtures of surfactants and additives should be selected so that the properties of their adsorption layers at the interfaces and formed micelles will be optimal for the practical application in question. This selection requires research of the physicochemical properties of mixtures and their single components, as well as the synthesis of a new type of surface-active compound. Thus, a multicomponent mixture can contain not only classical surfactants but also sugar and gemini surfactants, as well as biosurfactants which are biodegradable and resistant to the environmental factors and very often are more surface-active than classical synthetic surfactants. However, the mutual behavioural influence of these new types of surfactants and synthetic surfactants in aqueous solutions and at the interfaces remains to be fully investigated.

Taking this into account, the proposed Special Issue aims to encourage a discussion that addresses the latest information on the properties of different surfactants (synthetic and sugar surfactants and biosurfactants) as well as their mixtures with or without additives under different conditions based on their micellization processes, as well as adsorption and wetting properties.

Prof. Dr. Anna Zdziennicka
Guest Editor

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Keywords

surfactants
biosurfactants
mixture
micellization
adsorption
adhesion
wettability

Published Papers (14 papers)

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16 pages, 10772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Synthesis, Surface Activity, and Self-Assembly Behavior of Anionic Non-Ionic Gemini Surfactants

by Zhiqiang Man and Wenxiang Wu

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081725 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 456

Abstract

The use of surfactants in oil recovery can effectively improve crude oil recovery rate. Due to the enhanced salt and temperature resistance of surfactant molecules by non-ionic chain segments, anionic groups have good emulsifying stability. Currently, there are many studies on anionic non-ionic surfactants for oil recovery in China, but there is relatively little systematic research on introducing EOs into hydrophobic alkyl chains, especially on their self-assembly behavior. This article proposes a simple and effective synthesis method, using 3-aminopropane sulfonic acid, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, and epichlorohydrin as raw materials, to insert EO into hydrophobic alkyl chains and synthesize a series of new anionic non-ionic Gemini surfactants (CnEO-5, n = 8, 12, 16). The surface activity, thermodynamic properties, and self-assembly behavior of these surfactants were systematically studied through surface tension, conductivity, steady-state fluorescence probes, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. The surface tension test results show that CnEO-5 has high surface activity and is higher than traditional single chain surfactants and structurally similar anionic non-ionic Gemini surfactants. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (e.g., ΔG°_mic ΔH°_mic ΔS°_mic et al. indicate that CnEO-5 molecules are exothermic and spontaneous during the micellization process. DLS, p-values, and TEM results indicate that anionic non-ionic Gemini surfactants with shorter hydrophobic chains (such as C8EO-5) tend to form larger vesicles in aqueous solutions, which are formed in a tail to tail and staggered manner; Negative non-ionic Gemini surfactants with longer hydrophobic chains (such as C12EO-5, C16EO-5) tend to form small micelles. The test results indicate that CnEO-5 anionic non-ionic Gemini surfactants have certain application prospects in improving crude oil recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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11 pages, 2320 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Solubilization of Phospholipid by Surfactin Leading to Lipid Nanodisc and Fibrous Architecture Formation

by Tomohiro Imura, Satohiro Yanagisawa, Yuri Ikeda, Ryodai Moriyama, Kenichi Sakai, Hideki Sakai and Toshiaki Taira

Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061300 - 14 Mar 2024

Viewed by 640

Abstract

Nanodiscs belong to a category of water-soluble lipid bilayer nanoparticles. In vivo nanodisc platforms are useful for studying isolated membrane proteins in their native lipid environment. Thus, the development of a practical method for nanodisc reconstruction has garnered consider-able research interest. This paper reports the self-assembly of a mixture of bio-derived cyclic peptide, surfactin (SF), and l-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). We found that SF induced the solubilization of DMPC multilamellar vesicles to form their nanodiscs, which was confirmed by size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Owing to its amphiphilic nature, the self-assembled structure prevents the exposure of the hydrophobic lipid core to aqueous media, thus embedding ubiquinol (CoQ10) as a hydrophobic model compound within the inner region of the nanodiscs. These results highlight the feasibility of preparing nanodiscs without the need for laborious procedures, thereby showcasing their potential to serve as promising carriers for membrane proteins and various organic compounds. Additionally, the regulated self-assembly of the DMPC/SF mixture led to the formation of fibrous architectures. These results show the potential of this mixture to function as a nanoscale membrane surface for investigating molecular recognition events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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15 pages, 6340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stripping Mechanism of Surfactant System Based on Residual Oil on the Surface of Sand-Conglomerate Rocks with Different Grain Size Mineral Compositions

by Yuanyuan Wang, Daigang Wang, Chao Ding, Jing Li and Shengdong Jiang

Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061278 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 506

Abstract

During the development of a sand-conglomerate reservoir, there is a huge variation in rock grain size and different åmineral compositions of different-sized sand grains. The mineral composition and microstructure of the rock both have an impact on the characteristics of the remaining oil in the reservoir. The stripping mechanism of a surfactant system on sand-conglomerate surface crude oil with varied grain size minerals was explored in this paper. Sand-conglomerate was classified and analyzed to determine their wettability and stripping oil effects. The optimization of the surfactant solution system and molecular dynamics simulation revealed the surfactant stripping mechanism on crude oil on distinct sandstone minerals. The results of the study showed that montmorillonite minerals are more readily adsorbed by surfactants. The crude oil within them is more likely to compete for adsorption and to be stripped off, and then extracted with the recovery fluid. The surfactant solution system can increase the hydrophilicity of the rock surface, make the crude oil on the rock surface shrink and gather, and enhance the transportation ability of the displacement fluid. And the emulsification seals part of the pore in the reservoir, increases the displacement pressure, and improves the overall wave volume. The results of this paper are of great significance for the efficient development of sand-conglomerate reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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13 pages, 6013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Crude Oil Stripped by Surfactant Action and Fluid Free Motion Characteristics in Porous Medium

by Qingchao Cheng, Guangsheng Cao, Yujie Bai and Ying Liu

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020288 - 5 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 607

Abstract

The surfactant solution is crucial in facilitating the spontaneous imbibition process for the recovery of oil in tight reservoirs. Further investigation is required to examine the fluid flow in porous mediums and the process of crude oil stripping by a surfactant solution during spontaneous imbibition. Hence, this study aims to determine the free motion properties of oil and water in porous mediums using the finite-element approach to solve the multiphase flow differential equation, taking into account the capillary pressure. An investigation was conducted to examine the impact of oil viscosity and interfacial tension on the mean liquid flow rate and oil volume fraction. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the impact of surface tension, interfacial tension, and wetting angle on crude-oil-stripping efficiency. The findings indicate that the stripped crude oil migrated through porous mediums as individual oil droplets, exhibiting a degree of stochasticity in its motion. When the interfacial tension is reduced, the average velocity of the fluid in the system decreases. The crude oil exhibited a low viscosity, high flow capacity, and a high average flow rate within the system. Once the concentration of the surfactant solution surpasses a specific threshold, it binds with the oil to create colloidal aggregates, resulting in the formation of micelles and influencing the efficiency of the stripping process. As the temperature rises, the oil-stripping efficiency also increases. Simultaneously, an optimal range of wetting angle, surface tension, and interfacial tension could enhance the effectiveness of removing oil using surfactant solutions. The research results of this paper enrich the enhanced oil recovery mechanism of surfactant and are of great significance to the development of tight reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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14 pages, 3172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Gas Composition on Surfactant Injectivity in a Surfactant-Alternating-Gas Foam Process

by Jiakun Gong, Yuan Wang, Raj Deo Tewari, Ridhwan-Zhafri B. Kamarul Bahrim and William Rossen

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010100 - 22 Dec 2023

Viewed by 795

Abstract

Aqueous foam is a dispersion of gas in liquid, where the liquid acts as the continuous phase and the gas is separated by thin liquid films stabilized by a surfactant. Foam injection is a widely used technique in various applications, including CO₂ sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, soil remediation, etc. Surfactant-alternating-gas (SAG) is a preferred approach for foam injection, and injectivity plays a vital role in determining the efficiency of the SAG process. Different gases can be applied depending on the process requirements and availability. However, the underlying mechanisms by which gas composition impacts injectivity are not yet fully understood. In this work, the effect of gas composition on fluid behavior and injectivity in a SAG process was investigated using three gases: N₂, CO₂, and Kr. Our observations revealed that gas solubility in liquid was key for the formation and evolution of liquid fingers, and therefore was very important for liquid injectivity. A lower gas solubility in liquid led to a slower increase in surfactant solution injectivity. In addition, the development of surfactant solution injectivity took significantly longer when the surfactant solution was partially pre-saturated compared to when it was unsaturated. Additionally, the propagation of the collapsed-foam bank during gas injection was accelerated when the gas had a greater solubility in water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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14 pages, 3982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probing the Demulsification Mechanism of Emulsion with SPAN Series Based on the Effect of Solid Phase Particles

by Qingchao Cheng, Guangsheng Cao, Yujie Bai, Zhixuan Zhu, Ning Zhang and Dongju Li

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073261 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

The solid particles in the produced fluids from the oil wells treated by compound flooding can greatly stabilize the strength of the interfacial film and enhance the stability of the emulsion, increasing the difficulty of processing these produced fluids on the ground. In this paper, the oil phase and the water phase were separated from the SPAN series emulsions by electrical dehydration technology and adding demulsifier agents. The changing trends of the current at both ends of the electrodes were recorded during the process. The efficient demulsification of the emulsion containing solid particles was studied from the perspective of oil-water separation mechanisms. Combined with the method of molecular dynamics simulation, the effect of the addition of a demulsifier on the free movement characteristics of crude oil molecules at the position of the liquid film of the emulsion were further analyzed. The results indicated that the presence of solid particles greatly increased the emulsifying ability of the emulsion and reduced its size. Under the synergistic effect of demulsifier and electric dehydration, the demulsification effect of the emulsion increased significantly, and the demulsification rate could reach more than 82%. The addition of demulsifiers changed the stable surface state of the solid particles. The free movement ability of the surrounding crude oil molecules was enhanced, which led to a decrease in the strength of the emulsion film so that the water droplets in the emulsions were more likely to coalesce and break. These results are of great significance for the efficient treatment of wastewater from oilfields, promoting the sustainability of environment-friendly oilfield development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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14 pages, 2693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Interactions between Saponin Biosurfactant and Model Biological Membranes: Phospholipid Monolayers and Liposomes

by Monika Rojewska, Wojciech Smułek, Adam Grzywaczyk, Ewa Kaczorek and Krystyna Prochaska

Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041965 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1550

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saponins-rich plant extract on two model biological membranes: phospholipid monolayers and liposomes. The Langmuir monolayer technique was used to study the interactions of model phospholipid membranes with saponins. The π–A isotherms were determined for DPPE (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) monolayer with the addition of various concentrations of licorice saponins extracts and subjected to qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. Additionally, relaxation studies of the obtained monolayers were carried out and morphological changes were examined using Brewster angle microscopy. Moreover, changes in the structure of phospholipid vesicles treated with solutions of saponins-rich plant extracts were assessed using the FTIR technique. The size and zeta potential of the liposomes were estimated based on DLS methods. The obtained results indicated that the saponins interact with the phospholipid membrane formed by DPPE molecules and that the stability of the mixed DPPE/saponins monolayer strongly depends on the presence of impurities in saponins. Furthermore, it was found that the plant extract rich in saponins biosurfactant interacts mainly with the hydrophilic part of liposomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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13 pages, 2267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Nutrients from Water Using Biosurfactant Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration

by Sarjana Binte Rafiq Era and Catherine N. Mulligan

Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041559 - 6 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1395

Abstract

The removal of NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, and NH₃⁻ from wastewater can be difficult and expensive. Through physical, chemical, and biological processes, metals and nutrients can be extracted from wastewater. Very few scientific investigations have employed surfactants with high biodegradability, low toxicity, and suitability for ion removal from wastewater at different pH and salinity levels. This research employed a highly biodegradable biosurfactant generated from yeast (sophorolipid) through micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF). MEUF improves nutrient removal efficiency and reduces costs by using less pressure than reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF). The biosurfactant can be recovered after the removal of nutrient- and ion-containing micelles from the filtration membrane. During the experiment, numerous variables, including temperature, pH, biosurfactant concentration, pollutant ions, etc., were evaluated. The highest amount of PO₄³⁻ was eliminated at a pH of 6.0, which was reported at 94.9%. Maximum NO₃⁻ removal occurred at 45.0 °C (96.9%), while maximum NH₄⁺ removal occurred at 25.0 mg/L (94.5%). Increasing TMP to 200 kPa produced the maximum membrane flow of 226 L/h/m². The concentrations of the contaminating ion and sophorolipid were insignificant in the permeate, demonstrating the high potential of this approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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15 pages, 3814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Stage of the Development of an Eco-Friendly Detergent Formulation for Efficient Removal of Carbonized Soil

by Andreia P. M. Fernandes, Ana M. Ferreira, Marco Sebastião, Ricardo Santos, Catarina M. S. S. Neves and João A. P. Coutinho

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7460; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217460 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2062

Abstract

Detergent formulations for cleaning a carbonized soil—degreasers—typically comprise surfactants, organic solvents, phosphate-based cleaning agents, and alkaline agents, which results in high pH values (>11) that raise human and environmental risks. It is important to develop eco-friendly and safer degreasers, while maintaining their cleaning efficiency. In this work, simple degreaser formulations, with a pH below 11 and without phosphates, were developed by using a mixture of solvent, surfactant, and water to remove carbonized soil. The efficiency of the new degreaser formulations (with 5 wt% solvent, 5 wt% nonionic or ionic surfactant, and 90 wt% water) was evaluated by an abrasion test in the removal of carbonized soil from ceramic and stainless steel surfaces and compared with a commercial product. The results obtained show that the formulations comprising isopropylene glycol (IPG) with C₁₁–C₁₃ 9EOs and diethylene glycol butyl ether (BDG) with octyltrimethylammonium octanoate ([N₁₁₁₈][C₈O₂]) present the best cleaning efficiency for both surfaces. The composition of these formulations was optimized for each surface using a mixture design. The resulting formulations, despite having a simpler composition, a pH lower than 11, and being phosphate-free, presented a cleaning efficiency equal or slightly higher than the commercial control. These results show that it is possible to design degreasers that are much less aggressive to the environment and user, while simultaneously fulfilling the market requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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15 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of New Surfactants on Biological Properties of Liquid Soaps

by Emilia Klimaszewska, Daria Wieczorek, Sławomir Lewicki, Marta Stelmasiak, Marta Ogorzałek, Łukasz Szymański, Ryszard Tomasiuk and Leszek Markuszewski

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5425; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175425 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2591

Abstract

Liquid soaps are the basic cosmetics used to clean the skin of the hands. Frequent hand washing prevents viral contamination but may damage the skin’s hydro-lipid layer, leading to various types of irritation. Therefore, four liquid soap formulas were developed with three amphoteric surfactants: Cocamidopropyl Betaine (LS II), CocamidopropylHydroxysultaine (LS III), and newly synthesized Evening PrimroseaamidopropylSulfobetaine (LS IV). We evaluated the skin irritating potential (zein number, bovine albumin test) and cytotoxicity (AlamarBlue™, Cell viability, and Cell cycle assays) on HaCaT cell line. We observed lower values of the zein number and bovine albumin tests after adding soaps with surfactants (the highest differences in LS IV) compared to the base soap (LS I). However, LS I and LS II did not differ in cytotoxic assays. Therefore, adding LS III and LS IV seems potentially more dangerous to the cells. However, it should be noted that cells were continuously exposed to liquid soaps for more than 24 h, so its cytotoxic effects after dermal use in humans may be unnoticeable. Concluding, results suggest that the newly synthesized LS IV should improve the safety of liquid hand washing soaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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23 pages, 4563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wetting Properties of Rhamnolipid and Surfactin Mixtures with Triton X-165

by Edyta Rekiel, Anna Zdziennicka, Katarzyna Szymczyk and Bronisław Jańczuk

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4706; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154706 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1037

Abstract

The wetting properties of the rhamnolipid and surfactin mixtures with Triton X-165 were considered based on the contact angle measurements of their aqueous solution on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and quartz (Q) surfaces. The obtained contact angle isotherms were described by the exponential function of the second order as well as by Szyszkowski equation in some cases. Using the contact angle isotherms of individual biosurfactants and TX165 as well as the earlier obtained isotherms of their surface tension the contact angle isotherms of the biosurfactants mixtures with TX165 were deduced. As follows the presence of the maxima on the contact angle isotherms of the biosurfactants mixtures with TX165 is justified. They do not prove negative adsorption of the biosurfactant and TX165 at the interfaces. However, the mutual exchange of the biosurfactant and TX165 molecules is observed in the layers at the interfaces. The concentration of the studied mixtures at the PTFE-solution interface was established to be close to that at the solution-air one but that at the PTFE-air is equal to zero. However, the concentration of the studied mixtures at the PMMA-solution and quartz-solution is greater than zero. The concentration at the PMMA(quartz)-air and PMMA(quartz)-solution interfaces is smaller than that at the solution-air one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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22 pages, 30234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Adsorption and Micellization Activity of the Mixtures of Rhamnolipid and Surfactin with Triton X-165

by Edyta Rekiel, Anna Zdziennicka, Katarzyna Szymczyk and Bronisław Jańczuk

Molecules 2022, 27(11), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113600 - 3 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

The surface tension of aqueous solutions of Triton X-165 with rhamnolipid or surfactin mixtures was measured. The obtained results were applied for the determination of the concentration and composition of the Triton X-165 and biosurfactants mixture at the water–air interface as well as the contribution of the particular component of the mixtures to water surface tension reduction and the mutual influence of these components on the critical micelle concentration. The determination of these quantities was based on both the commonly used concepts and a new one proposed by us, which assumes that the composition of the mixed monolayer at the water–air interface depends directly on the pressure of the monolayer of the single mixture component and allows us to determine the surface concentration of each mixture component independently of surface tension isotherms shape. Taking into account the composition of the mixed monolayer at the water–air interface, the standard Gibbs adsorption free energy was considered. The obtained results allow us to state that the concentration of both mixture components corresponding to their saturated monolayer and the surface tension of their aqueous solution can be predicted using the surfactants’ single monolayer pressure and their mole fraction in the mixed monolayer determined in the proposed way. Full article

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Review

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32 pages, 4589 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multiheaded Cationic Surfactants with Dedicated Functionalities: Design, Synthetic Strategies, Self-Assembly and Performance

by Łukasz Lamch, Weronika Szczęsna, Sebastian J. Balicki, Marcin Bartman, Liliana Szyk-Warszyńska, Piotr Warszyński and Kazimiera A. Wilk

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5806; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155806 - 1 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Contemporary research concerning surfactant science and technology comprises a variety of requirements relating to the design of surfactant structures with widely varying architectures to achieve physicochemical properties and dedicated functionality. Such approaches are necessary to make them applicable to modern technologies, such as nanostructure engineering, surface structurization or fine chemicals, e.g., magnetic surfactants, biocidal agents, capping and stabilizing reagents or reactive agents at interfaces. Even slight modifications of a surfactant’s molecular structure with respect to the conventional single-head–single-tail design allow for various custom-designed products. Among them, multicharge structures are the most intriguing. Their preparation requires specific synthetic routes that enable both main amphiphilic compound synthesis using appropriate step-by-step reaction strategies or coupling approaches as well as further derivatization toward specific features such as magnetic properties. Some of the most challenging aspects of multicharge cationic surfactants relate to their use at different interfaces for stable nanostructures formation, applying capping effects or complexation with polyelectrolytes. Multiheaded cationic surfactants exhibit strong antimicrobial and antiviral activity, allowing them to be implemented in various biomedical fields, especially biofilm prevention and eradication. Therefore, recent advances in synthetic strategies for multiheaded cationic surfactants, their self-aggregation and performance are scrutinized in this up-to-date review, emphasizing their applications in different fields such as building blocks in nanostructure engineering and their use as fine chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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14 pages, 1008 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biosurfactants: Forthcomings and Regulatory Affairs in Food-Based Industries

by Deepansh Sharma, Deepti Singh, Gadhwal Monika Sukhbir-Singh, Bhoomika M. Karamchandani, Gajender Kumar Aseri, Ibrahim M. Banat and Surekha K. Satpute

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062823 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3433

Abstract

The terms discussed in this review—biosurfactants (BSs) and bioemulsifiers (BEs)—describe surface-active molecules of microbial origin which are popular chemical entities for many industries, including food. BSs are generally low-molecular-weight compounds with the ability to reduce surface tension noticeably, whereas BEs are high-molecular-weight molecules with efficient emulsifying abilities. Some other biomolecules, such as lecithin and egg yolk, are useful as natural BEs in food products. The high toxicity and severe ecological impact of many chemical-based surfactants have directed interest towards BSs/BEs. Interest in food surfactant formulations and consumer anticipation of “green label” additives over synthetic or chemical-based surfactants have been steadily increasing. BSs have an undeniable prospective for replacing chemical surfactants with vast significance to food formulations. However, the commercialization of BSs/BEs production has often been limited by several challenges, such as the optimization of fermentation parameters, high downstream costs, and low yields, which had an immense impact on their broader adoptions in different industries, including food. The foremost restriction regarding the access of BSs/BEs is not their lack of cost-effective industrial production methods, but a reluctance regarding their potential safety, as well as the probable microbial hazards that may be associated with them. Most research on BSs/BEs in food production has been restricted to demonstrations and lacks a comprehensive assessment of safety and risk analysis, which has limited their adoption for varied food-related applications. Furthermore, regulatory agencies require extensive exploration and analysis to secure endorsements for the inclusion of BSs/BEs as potential food additives. This review emphasizes the promising properties of BSs/BEs, trailed by an overview of their current use in food formulations, as well as risk and toxicity assessment. Finally, we assess their potential challenges and upcoming future in substituting chemical-based surfactants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Surfactants)

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