Enzymatic production of carbohydrate based surfactants

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to develop a laboratory scale process for the preparation of a novel type of surfactants: alkyl glycosides with long carbohydrate group. We had previously developed the enzymatic key step in this synthesis and in the present project we used alternative starting materials. This has reduced the material costs of the process considerably and constitutes an important step towards a cost efficient production process.

Results and expected effects

The possibilities for cost efficient production of alkyl glycosides with extended carbohydrate part were to be evaluated. Starting materials of varying purity and consequently varying price were compared with respect to product yield and properties of the final product. Also the cheaper starting materials gave good yields and preliminary evaluation of product properties indicated that they are fully acceptable.

Approach and implementation

The enzymatic synthesis of alkyl glycosides with extended carbohydrate part using various starting materials and purification of the products obtained was carried out by Enza Biotech and the Dept of Biotechnology, Lund University in collaboration. The properties of the products were studied using methodology developed by Enza Biotech. Also products obtained from cheaper starting materials gave products with the desired properties.