title: Determination of surfactant bio-sourced origin by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To develop more eco-friendly laundry detergents, renewable surfactants synthesized from vegetal sources are increasingly being used. In a more stringent regulation context, the determination of bio-sourced surfactant origin thus appears essential to assess the claims of detergent manufacturers. Radiocarbon determination, the standard method for the analysis of bio-sourced materials, is an expensive technique, so there is a need for a cheaper method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, the use of an elemental analyzer linked to isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS) is evaluated as an alternative approach to the official method. The δ(18) O, δ(13) C and δ(2) H isotope-ratio values were determined to investigate the bio-sourced origin of surfactant raw materials and mixtures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A sample library of 26 commercial surfactants representative of detergent raw materials was first analyzed by EA/IRMS. The δ(18) O, δ(13) C and δ(2) H values allowed discrimination of synthetic and bio-sourced surfactants. Moreover, in this latter group, C4 plant-derived surfactants were distinguished by their δ(13) C values. Binary and ternary mixtures made of synthetic and bio-sourced surfactants were also analyzed and indicated a linear relationship between mixture isotope-ratio values and surfactant proportions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IRMS represents a viable alternative to radiocarbon determination for the evaluation of surfactant bio-sourced origin. It is a faster and cheaper technique, allowing discrimination of petroleum- and biomass-derived surfactants and identification of their carbon sources (C4 or C3 plants).
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaubert
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jame
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bordes
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Yohann
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Clément
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guibert
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Magali
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Batteau
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Biomolécules, Cancer et Chimiorésistances, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453 - INSERM US7, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373, Lyon cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lomberget
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anchisi
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lantéri
authors.affiliation: UMR 5280 CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Lyon 1, 5 rue de la DOUA, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: Hervé
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Casabianca