Sustainable Surfactant Technologies: Bio-based Formulations and Biosurfactants

Department

Department of Chemistry, University of Bari

Main research activities/topics/projects

The research area of "Sustainable Surfactant Technologies: Bio-based Formulations and Biosurfactants" focuses on the development and optimization of eco-friendly surfactant systems using bio-based materials and biosurfactants. This field is particularly relevant for candidates interested in the intersection of green chemistry, material science, and industrial applications. The research activities within this group encompass the design, formulation, and analysis of surfactant systems that aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining or enhancing performance across industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and detergents.[1]

Main Research Activities/Topics:

1.Development of formulations using natural and renewable surfactants derived from plant oils, microbial fermentation, and other bio-based resources.

Exploration of the properties of biosurfactants (e.g., APGs, rhamnolipids, sophorolipids) and their applications in various industries.

2. Rheological and Structural Analysis of Surfactant Systems: Using rheology to study the flow and deformation behavior of surfactant formulations, providing insight into their stability, viscosity, and mechanical properties under different conditions. Moreover, potential shear-induced transitions will be considered.[2] 

3. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is employed to investigate the structural organization at the nanoscale, revealing the micellar or lamellar arrangements in these systems.

4. Thermal and Chemical Stability Studies:Analysis of thermal properties through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to assess the thermal stability and decomposition profiles of bio-based formulations.

5. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is utilized to investigate the molecular interactions and chemical stability of surfactants within complex formulations.

6. Microfluidics for Formulation Improvement: Implementation of microfluidics as a cutting-edge technology to optimize and control surfactant formulations at the microscale. This technique enables precise manipulation of fluids, allowing for the creation of more stable, efficient, and cost-effective surfactant systems.

Opportunities for Brazilian Master/PhD/Postdoctoral Candidates:

Prospective candidates from Brazil can integrate into this multidisciplinary research group and contribute to various ongoing projects related to bio-based surfactants and their applications. The research combines theoretical knowledge and experimental techniques across multiple domains, including green chemistry, material science, and process engineering.

Filed of research: Physical-Chemistry

References 

[1] Veronico, Colafemmina, Gentile, Colloids Interfaces 2024, 8(2), 15;

[2] Gentile, Langmuir 2024, 40, 32, 17134–17140

Working language

English knowledge in mandatory. 

Special entry requirements

Basic knowledge of physical chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, as well as laboratory experience.

Duration in months (min-max)

Master Research: 3 -6

PhD sandwich: 6-12

Post Doc: 6-12