FOAMING PROPERTIES OF SURFACTIN, A LIPOPEPTIDE BIOSURFACTANT FROM BACILLUS SUBTILIS

摘要

Foaming properties of surfactin were investigated and compared to those of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Foams were formed by a bubbling technique. Evolution of the foam volume and the liquid in the foam was monitored with optical and conductimetric methods to characterize foam formation and stability. Excellent foaming properties of surfactin were shown by its higher ability to form and stabilize the foam at a concentration as low as 0.05 mg/mL, in comparison with SDS and BSA. Surfactin produced a foam with intermediate maximum density and stabilized the liquid in foam, as well as BSA. [References: 12]