Researchers at an institute under the Ministry of Science & Technology have developed a bio-based compound that could potentially replace synthetic surfactants commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceutical formulations.
The compound, synthesised at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), has demonstrated antibacterial, cleansing and emulsifying properties comparable to commercially used chemical surfactants.
Importantly, it is produced from natural and biodegradable inputs, addressing long-standing concerns over the toxicity and environmental persistence of petroleum-derived surfactants.
Surfactants are foundational ingredients across multiple large-scale industries. The global cosmetics and personal care market alone is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, with surfactants present in nearly every product category — from face washes and shampoos to creams, lotions and makeup.
The pharmaceutical sector also relies heavily on surfactants for drug delivery systems, topical formulations and antiseptic preparations.
Despite their widespread use, many synthetic surfactants are associated with skin irritation, disruption of the natural microbial balance and accumulation in aquatic ecosystems after disposal.
The biosurfactant developed by the IASST team was produced using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarumJBC5, with ghee serving as a lipid-rich substrate.
Ghee, a widely available dairy product, offers a renewable and culturally familiar raw material, reducing dependence on imported or fossil fuel-based inputs while aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices.
Laboratory tests showed that the compound is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for common skin and wound infections.
When incorporated into commercial face wash formulations, it enhanced stain and dirt removal efficiency, indicating compatibility with existing consumer products rather than necessitating entirely new formulations or manufacturing lines.
From a production standpoint, the biosurfactant demonstrated industrially relevant characteristics. It achieved an emulsification index of 60 per cent for edible oils, efficiently reduced surface tension and remained stable across a broad pH range and at temperatures of up to 276°C.
These properties suggest that the compound could withstand the heat exposure, storage conditions and processing requirements typical of large-scale cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The research was led by Prof Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, along with Prof M. R. Khan and senior research fellow Anushree Roy.
The team employed response surface methodology, a statistical optimisation technique, to refine and enhance production parameters, indicating that the process has the potential to be scaled up systematically beyond laboratory conditions.
Further studies are currently underway to complete toxicity assessments, standardise dosage parameters and establish collaborations with industry partners.
If these subsequent stages are successful, the biosurfactant could offer manufacturers a viable and sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants, while meeting performance benchmarks, safety standards and regulatory requirements in some of the world’s largest and most consumer-facing industries.
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