(444a) Rhamnolipid Micellization and Adsorption Properties

Biosurfactants are naturally occurring amphiphiles that reduce surface and interfacial tension in aqueous solutions and water-oil mixtures. On the basis of their ability to mobilize and disperse hydrocarbons, biosurfactants are involved in the bioremediation of oil spills, and are being actively pursued as alternatives to synthetic surfactants in cleaning, personal care and cosmetic products. Rhamnolipids are low molecular weight glycolipid biosurfactants that are synthesized from microbes, especially Pseudomonas bacteria. We examine here the micellization of mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids in aqueous solutions and their adsorption on model surfaces; and compare the rhamnolipid behavior to that of synthetic surfactants. A better understanding of biosurfactant self-assembly and adsorption properties is important for their utilization in environmental and consumer products applications.