AnyTime News 
Any Time News Network | Pooja Srivastava
In a breakthrough that could reshape the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute under India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), have synthesized a novel bio-based surfactant using natural substrates.
Led by Director Ashish K. Mukherjee, the research team utilized probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5 and clarified butter (ghee) as a fat-rich substrate to produce a lipopeptide biosurfactant. The compound demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for skin and wound infections.
Laboratory findings reveal that the biosurfactant achieved up to a 60% emulsification index for edible oils and displayed surface tension reduction properties comparable to commercial synthetic surfactants. Notably, it maintained exceptional thermal stability up to 276°C and remained stable across varying pH levels.
When incorporated into a commercial face wash formulation, the compound enhanced stain-removal efficiency, highlighting its potential application in cosmetic formulations. Given growing global concerns about toxicity and non-biodegradability of synthetic surfactants, this eco-friendly alternative may offer a sustainable solution.
Researchers are now focusing on toxicity evaluation, dosage standardization, and industry-driven collaborations to accelerate commercialization. If successfully scaled, the innovation could significantly contribute to green chemistry initiatives and sustainable manufacturing in personal care products.
