Physicochemical Properties of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1 to Applications in Microemulsions

Abstract

Interfacial properties rhamnolipids from an extract produced by a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analyzed in this study. The extract of rhamnolipid was characterized by surface tension\rin different conditions; interfacial tension with different hydrocarbons; critical micelle concentration\runder different pH and temperatures; particle size and emulsification capacity using laser\rlight profiling. It was observed that the rhamnolipids extract are sensitive to variations in pH,\rthermostable and function as good emulsificant for emulsification of methyl methacrylate. The\remulsion stability order in function of the oil phase was methyl methacrylate > emulsions of castor\roil > emulsion n-heptane > emulsion toluene > emulsion hexadecane > octane emulsion. The\rdata presented show that rhamnolipid extracts may be used to formulate stable emulsions of methyl\rmethacrylate. This process can be used to do nano/microsphere of polymethyl methacrylate.