Optimization of liquid-liquid extraction of biosurfactants from corn steep liquor.
In this work, the optimization of the operational conditions for the chloroform-based extraction of surface-active compounds from corn steep liquor (CSL) was carried out and the nutritional properties of the remnant aqueous phase (CSL-less biosurfactant) was evaluated as microbial fermentation medium. The optimal conditions to obtain biosurfactants from CSL were as follows: chloroform/CSL ratio 2 (v/v), 56 °C at extraction times >30 min. At the optima conditions, 100 % of biosurfactant extract can be obtained from CSL, obtaining 12.0 ± 0.5 g of biosurfactant extract/Kg of CSL. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the biosurfactant extract was 399.4 mg L(-1). This value is similar to the CMC of cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant used in the formulation of nanoparticles. The extraction of biosurfactant can be also carried out at room temperature although in this case, the extraction yield decreased about 15 %. The extraction of surface-active compounds from agroindustrial streams can suppose important advances for the bio-based surfactants industry. Biosurfactants obtained in this work are not only more eco-friendly than chemical detergents but also can be cost competitive with its chemical counterparts. Furthermore, after the extraction of surface-active compounds, CSL-less biosurfactant was found to be suitable as nutritional supplement for lactic acid bacteria, maintaining its nutritional properties in comparison with regular CSL.
Chemical Engineering Department, School of Industrial Engineering (EEI), University of Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310, Vigo-Pontevedra, Spain.
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Vecino
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Barbosa-Pereira
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Devesa-Rey
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Cruz
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Moldes
D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002725:Chloroform / Q000737:chemistry*; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000517:prevention & control; D059625:Liquid-Liquid Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry*
D001688:Biological Products; D007220:Industrial Waste; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D002725:Chloroform