COLL 41

Biosurfactants are biologically-produced, natural surface active agents and synthesized by a range of microorganisms. Biosurfactants are stable at a wide range of temperatures, pH, salinities and display very low critical micelle concentration (CMC) values. Biosurfactants, because of unique properties like biological activities have been increasingly attracting the attention in various fields as multifunctional materials for the new century. Sophorolipids, a prominent member of the biosurfactant family is microbial, extra cellular, surface-active glycolipids produced by the yeast Candida bombicola ATCC 22214. Sophorolipids are produced by fermentation process using feedstock as renewable agricultural fatty materials and carbohydrates. Evaluation of Sophorolipids shows surface tension, interfacial tension and CMC are better than commercial surfactants. Wetting properties are comparable. Since, these are derived from renewal raw materials, they are biodegradable. Optimization of process parameters will lead to eco-friendly surfactants for future industrial and environmental applications.

Key Words: Biosurfactants, Sophorolipids, Candida bombicola ATCC 22214, Fermentation Process.