Production and Characterization of Antimicrobial Sophorolipids

  • Kim, Young-Bum (Dept. of Biological Engineering, Inha University) ;
  • Kim, Gab-Jung (Dept. of Biological Engineering, Inha University) ;
  • Kim, Eun-Ki (Dept. of Biological Engineering, Inha University)
  • Published : 2000.11.09

Abstract

Sophorolipid, a glycolipid type biosurfactant produced from Candida Bombicola, inhibited the growth of bacteria and fungi. Between two types of sophorolipid, acid and lactone form, the latter had more strong antimicrobial activity. Culturing parameters including oil substrate, initial glucose concentration, aeration, culture mode, affected the ratio of two forms. The fatty acid moety varied depending on the oil having different fatty acid chains. Minimum inhibitory concentration of lactonic sophorolipid toward Propionibacterium acne was below 0.5ppm. This result indicated the potentials of sophorolipid as antimicrobial agent in various area including cosmetics.

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