title: Perspective on the use of humic acids from biomass as natural surfactants for industrial applications.
abstract: In the context of renewable vs. non-renewable sources of chemical compounds, the development of natural surfactants as a substitute for synthetic surfactants in technological applications is an important issue. In addition, as synthetic surfactants can persist in the environment causing toxic effects, the use of natural products presents a possibility to minimize impact on the environment. Nowadays, a promising new approach in surfactant-based technologies, consists of the use of humic acids (HAs) extracted directly from biomass that exhibit amphiphilic properties, and can be conveniently used as environmentally friendly surfactants. The raw material from which HAs are extracted and their macromolecular composition affect surfactant properties. Therefore fundamental data from more strictly qualitative aspects, needs to be investigated. This review highlights surfactant ability and chemical properties of HA substances coming from renewable sources in comparison to synthetic surfactants, and points out the capacity for HAs to be used effectively in this field of application.
authors.affiliation: Gruppo Ricicla, Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy. silvia.salati@unimi.it
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salati
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Papa
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Adani
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D006812:Humic Substances; D059205:Renewable Energy; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D013783:Textile Industry; D018505:Waste Management
chemical_list: D006812:Humic Substances; D013501:Surface-Active Agents