Linking molecular structures of yeast-derived biosurfactants with their foaming, interfacial, and flotation properties

• Carboxylic bola biosurfactants can compete with thiols as copper sulfide collectors. This effect is explained by selective precipitation and beneficial foaming properties. A non-ionic biosurfactant floats sulfides non-selectively entrainment. Yeast-derived amphiphiles have attracted growing attention in various industrial sectors green reagents. However, their physico-chemical properties relevant to mineral separation froth flotation are poorly explored. To bridge this gap, we studied the foaming, interfacial, of acidic sophorolipid (ASL), glucolipid (GL) alcoholic glucoside (GS) obtained from strain engineering yeast Candida bombicola molecular editing headgroups. Bench-scale testing a ore showed that ASL effectively separate (85% recovery at 20% grade), GL less effective (ca. 60% 13% while GS poor collector. understand trend, interfacial these three biosurfactants. The surface tension study reveals that, contrary GS, self-assembly both air–water interface pH-responsive, suggesting acquire Π-shape. dependence all surfactants on pH concentration does not correlate trends static tension, critical roles dynamic factors, elasticity viscosity. Hydrophobicity djurleite (a model sulphide) presence was assessed using contact angle Hallimond methods. only float pure alkaline pH, which consistent data. In contrast, even though significant angle, it wide range, mechanical entrainment hydrophilic particles rich foams. Overall, results demonstrate potential carboxylic for ores. They also bring new insights into biosurfactants, assist introduction other industries.