Enzymatic Production of Biosurfactants

CARVALHO, ANA K. F; ROMERO CINTIA MARIANA

Biosurfactants and Sustainability: From Biorefineries Production to Versatile Applications

Wiley

Año: 2023; p. 143 - 156

For industrial enzymatic reactions, enzymes are preferably used in an immobilized state in order to easily separate the catalyst from the product [1, 2]. Using immobilized enzymes, improved stability, reuse, continuous operation, the possibility of better control of reactions, and hence more favorable economic factors can be expected [3]. Immobilization is the practice responsible for the initial breakthrough innovation that allowed efficient reutilization of enzymes, thus reducing the cost per batch [4]. Several methods of enzyme immobilization are available, each involving a singular degree of complexity and efficiency [1–3].Increased attention to the environment has led to growing interest in the field of natural biosurfactants, since they have different structural characteristics and physical properties, which make them comparable or superior to synthetic surfactants in terms of efficiency [5, 6]. In addition, natural biosurfactants present amphiphilic properties of interest for the formulation of several products in the fields of detergents, foods, medicines, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics [7], due to their non-toxic, non-irritant, odorless, tasteless, biodegradable, and biocompatible characteristics [8]. Another advantage is that they are compounds that are not petroleum derivatives, this is an important aspect as there is a worldwide trend of increasing oil prices. Indeed, interest in these compounds stems from the natural origin of the raw materials, the synthetic processes involved, and the performance of the final product.