Synthesis of Saccharide Nonionic Biosurfactants from Coconut Oil and Characterization of Their Interfacial Properties

Abstract

In this study, two types of nonionic saccharide biosurfactants, GP-6 and GP-7, were prepared from coconut oil and the structure of resulting products was investigated by FT-IR, H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR spectrophotometer. The interfacial properties of GP-6 and GP-7 were found to be excellent from interfacial property measurements such as critical micelle concentration, static and dynamic surface tensions, interfacial tension, emulsification power, wetting property and foam stability. Detergency test evaluated by using a Terg-o-tometer showed moderately good detergency compared to that of conventional surfactants used in detergent formulations. Biodegradability, acute oral toxicity, acute dermal irritation and acute eye irritation tests revealed that both surfactants possess excellent mildness and superior environmental compatibility indicating the potential applicability to detergent products formulations. In particular, GP-6 can be considered as a strong candidate in detergent formulations since it is more surface active, mild and readily biodegradable than GP-7.