Biosynthesis And Production Of Sophorolipids

Sophorolipids are biosurfactants belonging to the class of the glycolipid, produced mainly by the osmophilic yeast Candida bombicola. Structurally they are composed by a disaccharide sophorose (2’-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glycopyranose) which is linked β -glycosidically to a long fatty acid chain with generally 16 to 18 atoms of carbon with one or more unsaturation. They are produced as a complex mix containing up to 40 molecules and associated isomers, depending on the species which produces it, the substrate used and the culture conditions. They present properties which are very similar or superior to the synthetic surfactants and other biosurfactants with the advantage of presenting low toxicity, higher biodegradability, better environmental compatibility, high selectivity and specific activity in a broad range of temperature, pH and salinity conditions. Its biological activities are directly related with its chemical structure. Sophorolipids possess a great potential for application in areas such as: food; bioremediation; cosmetics; pharmaceutical; biomedicine; nanotechnology and enhanced oil recovery.