Development, evaluation, and optimisation of downstream process concepts for rhamnolipids and 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy)alkanoic acids

摘要

Biosurfactants, such as rhamnolipids, are sustainable alternatives for petrochemically produced surfactants. Rhamnolipids can be produced based on sustainable carbon sources and merge promising properties like low toxicity, high biodegradability, and specific activities, even at extreme conditions. Despite these properties, which make rhamnolipids interesting for a wide range of applications, rhamnolipids could not be fully established in the market. One reason constitutes unreliable and cost intensive downstream processing. In the recent past, only limited effort was spent in the development, in-depth investigation, and optimisation of downstream processing concepts for rhamnolipids. Major focuses were set on production strain development and structural studies.