| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3672 | Biochemical Engineering Journal | 2012 | 8 Pages |
In this work, surface activity and frothability of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa MA01 were studied and compared with conventional flotation frothers, i.e. methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), pine oil, Dowfroth-250 (DF-250), and Aerofroth-65 (A-65). FTIR and ES-MS analysis indicated that the product contained two types of commonly found rhamnolipids: l-rhamnosyl-β-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoate (RL-1) and l-rhamnosyl l-rhamnosyl-β-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoate (RL-2). Surface tension measurements showed that the rhamnolipid product reduces surface tension more effectively than frothers due to higher molecular weight and the presence of multiple oxygenated groups in its structure, producing more viscous liquid film, which was confirmed with film elasticity calculations. Both surface tension and elasticity values followed the order: rhamnolipid > A-65 > DF-250 > pine oil > MIBC. Frothability of the tested surfactants gave the order: rhamnolipid > A-65 > DF-250 > MIBC > pine oil.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa MA01 was characterized. ► The rhamnolipid product contained R1C10C10 and R2C10C10 in equal molar ratio. ► Rhamnolipid was found to be more surface active than frothers commonly used in mineral flotation. ► Film elasticity and frothability of rhamnolipids were studied. ► Rhamnolipid had more frothing capacity compared to those from commercial flotation frothers.
