High-performance arabinoglucuronoxylan-based biosurfactants for oily sludge separation.

Area of Science:

• Biomass valorization
• Green chemistry
• Surface chemistry

Background:

• Arabinoglucuronoxylan (AGX) is a key carbohydrate polymer in lignocellulosic biomass.
• AGX possesses inherent amphiphilic properties suitable for modification.
• Potential applications exist in oily sludge separation and remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward method for producing high-performance AGX-based biosurfactants.
• To explore the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in modifying AGX.
• To evaluate the efficacy of AGX-based biosurfactants for environmental applications.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of raw AGX from bamboo via hydrothermal treatment.
• Synthesis of AGX-based biosurfactants through rapid homogeneous esterification with dodecanal succinic anhydride (DDSA) in DES.
• Characterization of surface tension reduction and other physicochemical properties (foamability, emulsification, stability, solubilization, detergency).

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in water surface tension from 72.32 to 29.76 mN·m⁻¹, comparable to synthetic surfactants like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).
• Marked improvements in foamability, emulsification activity, stability, solubilization, and detergency compared to unmodified AGX.
• Demonstrated effectiveness of AGX-based biosurfactants in oily sludge remediation and oil recovery.

Conclusions:

• A novel pathway for high-value utilization of AGX has been established.
• AGX-based biosurfactants offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants.
• The developed biosurfactants show significant promise for environmental remediation and enhanced oil recovery.