Life Cycle Assessment of Biossurfactants: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the environmental performance of biosurfactants in comparison to synthetic surfactant based on the literature.   Theoretical Framework: Surfactants are used in various sectors, ranging from domestic uses to industrial applications. Their surface tension reduction properties make them efficient in cleaning and versatile, however they come predominantly from fossil sources. In contrast, biosurfactants constitute a variety of surfactants obtained by microorganisms, including yeasts, bacteria and fungi, from renewable biomass sources.   Method: A systematic four-step approach was used, including advanced search, combined strings, screening and reading of abstracts, validation of results and reading and analysis of documents. The inclusion criteria were: use of environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), biosurfactant study and originality.   Results: 6 articles were validated and it was verified that for 1 kg of product, biosurfactants present varying environmental impacts depending on the impact categories analyzed and higher values compared to synthetic surfactant. Technological advances in the production of biosurfactants indicate a potential to increase their efficiency, making them competitive with synthetic surfactants.   Research implications: This research addresses the scarcity of data on the environmental performance of biosurfactants, encouraging studies to enable their large-scale production. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) directs technological efforts, aiming at the entry of these products into the commodities market.