Biosurfactants

Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Unlike conventional petrochemical-derived surfactants, biosurfactants are produced from renewable resources such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, offering superior biodegradability, low toxicity, and environmental compatibility. These attributes make biosurfactants a promising class of green alternatives for industrial and biomedical applications.

Our company offers high-performance biosurfactants including:

Rhamnolipids

Rhamnolipids are glycolipid biosurfactants primarily produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These molecules consist of one or two rhamnose sugar moieties linked to β-hydroxy fatty acids, giving them excellent amphiphilic properties.

Sophorolipids

Sophorolipids are extracellular glycolipids produced by non-pathogenic yeasts such as Starmerella bombicola. They exist in lactonic and acidic forms, each with unique surface and biological activities.

Sodium Surfactin

Sodium surfactin is a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant synthesized by Bacillus subtilis. It is one of the most effective natural surfactants known, capable of lowering the surface tension of water at low concentrations.

Molecular Structure and Functionality

Biosurfactants possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) domains, allowing them to reduce surface and interfacial tension between immiscible phases such as oil and water. Their amphiphilic nature enables functions such as:

• Emulsification
• Detergency
• Foaming

• Dispersion
• Wetting
• Micelle formation

Advantages Over Synthetic Surfactants

Biosurfactants offer several key advantages:

• Biodegradability: Easily broken down in the environment, minimizing long-term ecological impact.
• Low toxicity: Safer for humans, animals, and ecosystems.
• Stability: Maintain activity over a wide range of pH, salinity, and temperature.
• Renewable origin: Produced via microbial fermentation using sustainable feedstocks.
• Multifunctionality: It possess additional biological activities such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Biosurfactants represent a paradigm shift toward sustainable industrial chemistry. Their versatility, safety, and environmental benefits position them as key enablers for industries transitioning to green alternatives. As a specialized supplier, Alfa Chemistry provides cutting-edge biosurfactant solutions tailored to meet stringent performance and regulatory standards. Contact us today to explore how our biosurfactants can elevate your formulations.