Microbial biosurfactants with their high-value functional properties

Authors: Solaiman, Daniel

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2016
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Microbial world is a rich source for finding valuable industrial chemicals and ingredients. Specifically, many microbial metabolites are surface-active compounds that can be developed into bio-based surfactants, detergents, and emulsifiers. Techno-economic analyses for the production of bio-based chemicals including certain emerging microbial biosurfactants indicate a promising commercial future. High-value functional properties that are often found in the microbial biosurfactants further improve their commercial viability. Aside from a general overview, this paper will use as an example a specific microbial biosurfactant, i.e., sophorolipid, with its antimicrobial activity and newly discovered taste-sensory enhancing property to highlight the commercial potential of microbial biosurfactants.