Microbial Production Of Antimicrobial Rhammolipid Esters

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are a class of bacterially produced biosurfactants that possess antimicrobial as well as surface-active properties. While RLs have broad utility in industry as antimicrobial biosurfactants, their anionic nature limits the efficacy of these molecules in certain applications. Alternatively, rhamnolipid esters (RLEs) exhibit improved properties as nonionic surfactants. However, a major challenge in RLE application in the commercial arena is that, to date, they are only reliably accessed via chemical synthesis, a costly and unsustainable approach.

To address this problem, UC Berkeley researchers have developed a novel, reliable microbial source for biosynthesized RLEs enabling their production in an efficient, sustainable, and renewable manner. Additionally, three novel rhamnolipid methyl ester (RLME) congeners have been produced and a new enzyme for RLE production identified. The produced RLEs are expected to be more effective than RLs in many ways, including antifungal activity and hydrocarbon solubilization.

Suggested uses

• Efficient, renewable production of biosynthesized RLEs for:   agriculture, remediation, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and various other industries.

Advantages

• Sustainable, microbial source for RLEs
• Improved performance over RLs as nonionic surfactants, for antifungal activity, and hydrocarbon solubilization

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