Development of production processes for new-to-nature biosurfactants

For decades, microorganisms have been known as producers of surfactants, one of the most important classes of bulk chemicals. In the framework of the current environmental concerns, biosurfactants gain interest due to their low toxicity and good biodegradability. Consequently, they offer a valid alternative to their petrol-derived counterparts. Starmerella bombicola is able to produce gycolipid sophorolipids. Through genetic engineering of this yeast it is possible to create new-to-nature biosurfactants like glucolipids and bolaform sophorolipids or enhance biosynthesis of one specific molecule instead of the mixture produced by the wild type. These new strains and molecules possess unrevealed characteristics and therefore, new production processes were studied involving both fermentation and purification.