Synthesis and characterization of novel alkoxy nonionic biosurfactants

ABSTRACT

A series of novel alkoxy nonionic biosurfactants were synthesized by ring-opening reaction of methoxy poly(ethylene glycols) and alkylene oxide. The chemical structures of these biosurfactants were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ¹HNMR spectra. The surface tensions of these nonionic biosurfactants in the aqueous solutions were determined using a surface tensionmeter. The results showed that the critical micelle concentrations decreased with the increase of hydrophobic chain. However, due to the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, the critical surface tensions of these nonionic biosurfactants increased with increasing the hydrophobic chain and were lower than those of conventional nonionic biosurfactants. Meanwhile, the effects of electrolytes on surface tension of these nonionic biosurfactants were slight. Due to the excellent surface activity, these alkoxy nonionic biosurfactants could have great potential in cleansing, oil recovery, and drug delivery.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Alkoxy nonionic biosurfactants
• characterization
• intermolecular hydrogen bonding
• surface activity
• synthesis

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 21474065], and the Sichuan Province Science and technology support Project (2017GZ0422).