Production, Characterization and Application of a New Biosurfactant Derived from Egyptian Sunflower Seeds

Abstract

A new biosurfactant (SR122) was obtained for the first time from the seeds of sunflower plant growing locally in Egypt. This bioproduct was recovered from the seeds using simple and cost effective method that gave higher biosurfactant yield (20-25% w/w). The new product (SR 122) may be an alternative to the microbial and synthetic surfactants because it is non toxic (as it was originated from safe natural sources- the plant), cost-effective, produced in higher yield (as compared to the microbial biosurfactant) and may acquire public acceptance. The high surface activity of SR 122 (as measured by the ODA method, surface tension reduction and E24 method), the non-toxicity and tolerance to wide range of harsh condition of temperatures (up to 121ºc), pH values (2-11) and different NaCl concentrations (2% -25% w/v) make this new product a promising candidate for the application in many industries and for the protection of the environment. On a large laboratory scale SR122 was applied for cleaning oil storage tank. During the cleaning process more than 95% of the oily sludge was recovered and the viscosity of the recovered oil was decreased allowing the oily sludge to be easily floated on the top of the biosurfactant as a distinct phase. This product SR 122 was offered for a patent no: 1289/2014