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High Internal Phase Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilised by Cost-Effective Rhamnolipid/Alginate Biocomplexes
Ilona E Kłosowska-Chomiczewska1, Gabriela Burakowska1, Paulina Żmuda-Trzebiatowska1
1Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, G.Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 13, 2025
Summary
A novel biosurfactant, rhamnolipid biocomplex (RLBC), effectively stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. This cost-effective and biodegradable alternative to synthetic surfactants shows promising applications in various industries.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Biosurfactants offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants.
- Rhamnolipids (RLs) are potent biosurfactants but often require costly purification.
- Partially purified biosurfactants may offer a balance of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emulsifying properties of a novel, cost-effective rhamnolipid biocomplex (RLBC).
- To evaluate RLBC's potential for stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).
- To assess the environmental impact and economic viability of RLBC compared to purified RLs and synthetic surfactants.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of *Pseudomonas* sp. SP-17 on glycerol to produce RLBC.
- Acidic precipitation for isolation and partial purification of RLBC without organic solvents.
- Characterization of emulsifying properties, droplet size, emulsion stability, and rheological behavior.
- Biodegradation tests to assess environmental friendliness.
Main Results:
- RLBC demonstrated comparable emulsifying properties to purified RLs at low concentrations (0.15% w/w).
- RLBC effectively stabilized oil-in-water HIPEs (80% oil) with similar droplet sizes and high stability over 120 days.
- Emulsions exhibited shear-thinning behavior with significant yield stress.
- RLBC achieved 60% biodegradation within 2.5 days and complete biodegradation within 14 days, outperforming synthetic emulsifiers.
Conclusions:
- RLBC is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biosurfactant for stabilizing HIPEs.
- The elimination of organic solvents and reduced production costs make RLBC economically advantageous.
- RLBC's biodegradability and efficacy support its use in sustainable formulations for cosmetics, lubricants, and industrial fluids.
