Biosurfactant from Candida guilliermondii UCP 1592 for cleaning and degreasing applications

Yali Alves da Silva; Hozana de Souza Ferreira; Antônio Pedro da Costa Albuquerque; Gabriel Halliday de Albuquerque Borba; Leonie Asfora Sarubbo; Juliana Moura de Luna

doi:10.5327/Z2176-94782540

Authors

Yali Alves da Silva Católica University of Pernambuco (UNICAP) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0708-7589
Hozana de Souza Ferreira Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8111-2738
Antônio Pedro da Costa Albuquerque Católica University of Pernambuco (UNICAP) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3475-7824
Gabriel Halliday de Albuquerque Borba Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UNICAP) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6787-1238
Leonie Asfora Sarubbo Católica University of Pernambuco (UNICAP) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4746-0560
Juliana Moura de Luna Católica University of Pernambuco (UNICAP) - Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4619-6857

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/Z2176-94782540

Keywords:

microbial surfactant; yeasts; surface tension; oil dispersion; emulsification.

Abstract

Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by microorganisms, whose amphiphilic structure enables them to reduce surface tension and stabilize emulsions. This study evaluated the production, characterization, stability, toxicity, and cleaning potential of a biosurfactant synthesized by Candida guilliermondii UCP 1592. The compound was produced in a medium containing distilled water, 2.5% corn steep liquor, and 5% residual frying oil, under agitation for 144 h. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 30 mN/m and achieved a production yield of 18 g/L. It effectively emulsified 100% of burnt motor oil, forming a stable emulsion. Toxicity tests using Tenebrio molitor and Artemia salina revealed no toxic effects, with 100% survival. In cleaning tests, the biosurfactant removed 100% of oil from glass surfaces, even at concentrations below its critical micelle concentration (CMC). For oil removal from cotton fabrics, it reached efficiencies of 91, 70, and 57% at 2 CMC (0.6 g/L), 1 CMC (0.3 g/L), and 0.5 CMC (0.15 g/L), respectively. These results demonstrate the biosurfactant’s high effectiveness, safety, and environmental compatibility, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants for cleaning and oil removal applications.

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