Stabilization of Foam Produced by Sodium Lauryl Sulphate with Mannosylerythritol Lipids Synthesized on Soybean Oil and Sucrose by Pseudozyma antarctica (ATCC 32657)

Biosurfactants are gaining importance due their large potential for industrial applications and their eco-friendly nature. The properties of biosurfactants can vary with their structure which is dependent upon strain, cultivation conditions and carbon source. A mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) is one of the simplest biosurfactants with a well-defined structure produced by Pseudozyma antarctica (ATCC 32657). The study includes the surfactant properties of MEL produced on soybean oil with sucrose as substrate. MEL showed surface activity at very low concentrations. The various properties were explained on the basis of the structural similarity between MEL and Gemini surfactant. The performance properties of SLS like foaming, emulsification and wetting were improved when SLS was partially substituted (5-20%) by MEL. Based on the study, MEL can be used in various cosmetic products like shaving creams, skin creams and lotions, where MEL will not only enhance foaming property but also provide moisturizing and healing properties on skin.