Successful commercialization of processes for biosurfactant depends largely on its product economics. Process optimization at the biological and engineering level needs to be improved for the production of commercially viable biosurfactants. Currently most of research in biosurfactant area is focused on 1st and 2nd grade based on commercial considerations. Research on 3rd grade biosurfactants ( high volume and cheaper) is not being taken up.
The new application of biosurfactants are to clean up of organic and inorganic contaminants such as hydrocarbons and metals by the use of biosurfactants and biosurfactants producing microorganisms. It is the remediation technology of environments contaminated with these pollutants.
Flotation is a physico-chemical process for separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles. The technique is widely used in the mineral processing for the beneficiation of sulphides, oxides and carbonate ores. Many biosurfactants can be used for the selective modification of mineral surfaces to hydrophobic or hydrophilic and later separating these in a flotation cell or column. The use of bio-surfactants in flotation will replace the existing floatation chemical reagents.
Biodegradation of Ryeland and Shetland wool by Bacillus subtilis W3 and Streptomyces albidoflavus were investigated. The effect of treating raw wool with Rhamnolipid was also studied. It is shown that the wool surface morphology is improved with effective displacement of surface contaminants revealing a smooth outer cuticle layer after just 2 days. These results have important practical implications for the establishment of a quick and easy biodegradable process for wool scouring finishing in textile industry or for the pre-treatment of keratinous waste materials before degradation by bacteria or fungi. This methodology provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical pre-treatments. Article Biodegradation of Wool by Bacteria and Fungi and Enhancement...