Purification and characterization of biosurfactants biotechnologically obtained, using agroindustrial wastes, for their application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products

Abstract

Biosurfactants are natural detergents that could be included in the formulation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products replacing the chemical surfactants. This means many advantages because they not only present the same functions in the final product, but they are more biodegradables, less toxic and more stable against pH or temperature fluctuations than their synthetic homologous. The global microbial biosurfactants market demand was valued at USD 12.7 million in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 17.1 million by 2020, expanding at a at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4% from 2014 to 2020. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a considerable rate due to increasing consumer awareness for bio-based products. Rest of the world accounted for a smaller share of the market owing to less consumer awareness and high prices of products. Before applying these natural detergents at industrial scale, it is necessary their purification. This thesis aims the purification of these biosurfactants using membranes, ion exchange resins, and/or organic solvents. Once biosurfactants are purified, these will be included in the formulation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, in which synthetic surfactants are widely used, even though they can produce irritating and allergic symptoms. The utilization of biosurfactants in this kind of formulations entails the reduction of the surface tension as well as a better distribution of the product because of its dispersant and solvent propierties (European Commitee 2006/257/CE). Futhermore, it is known that these natural surfactants are more skin compatible and less dangerous than synthetic ones. Besides, they have humectants and foaming functions, beeing its emulsifier capacity one of the most relevant for the formulation of cosmetic products.