Green Surfactants

Made by-
Jatin Lalwani
Introduction
 The term “surfactant” comes from “surface active agents”, which are molecules that
adsorb on the water−surface interface and reduce water’s surface tension to enhance the
cleaning of surfaces.
 Originally, surfactants were only created from renewable resources such as plant oils or
animal fat.
 The majority of surfactants in use today are either only partly or slowly biodegradable,
which results in environmental damage and toxicological problems.
Green Surfactants
 This new category of products is more biocompatible, and biodegradable, and meets the
rising consumer demand for products which are “greener”, that is, milder, more effective,
and less environmentally impactful.
 The term “green surfactants” refers to biobased amphiphilic molecules that are either
obtained naturally or can be synthesized from renewable raw materials.
Types of Green Surfactants
Biosurfactants
 Biosurfactants, like rhamnolipids and
sophorolipids, possess high biodegradability and
lower toxicity compared to conventional
surfactants.
 They offer a sustainable alternative, reducing
environmental impact.
 These surfactants demonstrate diverse
applications, from their use in cosmetics and
personal care products (like in gentle shampoos) to
environmental remediation, showing promise in
bioremediation due to their ability to solubilize
hydrophobic pollutants.
Plant-based Surfactants

 Extracted from plant-derived sources, these surfactants, such as those derived

from coconut or palm oil, utilize natural components like fatty acids and
glycerol.
 They offer an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based surfactants, reducing
dependence on non-renewable resources.
 Plant-based surfactants often exhibit mildness on the skin, making them
suitable for sensitive skin types in personal care products.
 They also tend to be biocompatible and environmentally friendly, aligning with
green chemistry principles.
Production of Green Surfactants by Bio-
Synthesis
Production of Green Surfactants by
Fermentation
Properties
 Applications

 Personal Care Products: Biosurfactants like rhamnolipids in shampoos or plant-

based surfactants in organic soaps.
 Household Cleaners: Plant-based surfactants in eco-friendly detergents or bio-
based synthetic surfactants in dishwashing liquids.
 Agriculture: Biosurfactants or plant-based surfactants in biopesticides,
herbicides, and growth enhancers, reducing ecological impact.
 Industrial Processes: Bio-based synthetic surfactants as emulsifiers or wetting
agents, replacing conventional petrochemical options.
Advantages of Using Green Surfactants

 Biodegradability: Easily breaks down, reducing pollution and harm to soil and
water ecosystems.
 Versatility and Performance: Matches or exceeds conventional surfactants in
effectiveness.
 Renewable Raw Materials: Sourced sustainably, reducing reliance on finite
resources.
 Lower Toxicity: Reduced harm to humans and environment, lowering health
risks.
 Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizes persistent pollutants, preserving
biodiversity.
 Limitations of Green Surfactants

 Large-scale production of biosurfactants is complex and difficult.

 Some biosurfactants may be as toxic as synthetic bio-surfactants.
 Biosurfactant production is not economically viable.
 The biotechnological methods required in the synthesis of
biosurfactants are somewhat costly, and surfactant purification is
quite difficult.
Thankyou!