Rhamnolipid
Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Manufacturer | The Green Alternative (CAS: 869062-42-0) Headline: Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Manufacturer | High-Performance Glycolipid (CAS: 869062-42-0) Sub-info: Purity ≥ 90% (Powder) / 50% (Liquid) | Low CMC Value | 100% Biodegradable. USP: • Eco-Friendly Powerhouse: Non-toxic, sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants (SLS/SLES). • Superior Efficiency: Reduces water surface tension to <30 mN/m at very low concentrations. • Versatile Grades: Available in Cosmetic Grade (High Purity) and Industrial/Agro Grade.
Introduction

Rhamnolipid (CAS: 869062-42-0) is a class of glycolipid biosurfactants produced via fermentation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (or non-pathogenic engineered strains). It consists of one or two rhamnose molecules (hydrophilic head) linked to one or two fatty acid chains (hydrophobic tail).
Unlike traditional petroleum-based surfactants, Rhamnolipids offer excellent emulsification, wetting, and foaming properties while being completely environmentally benign. We supply industrial-scale Rhamnolipids that are heat-stable, salt-tolerant, and effective over a wide pH range, making them ideal for Agriculture, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), and Green Cleaning formulations.
Category:
Keywords:
rhamnolipid
biosurfactant
Functions
1.Ultra-Low Surface Tension
Rhamnolipids are far more efficient than chemical surfactants. They can reduce the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 25-30 mN/m with a Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) as low as 10-200 mg/L.
2.Emulsification & Solubilization
They form stable emulsions of hydrocarbons and oils, significantly enhancing the solubility of hydrophobic substances. This is the key mechanism behind their use in cleaning oil spills and delivering agrochemicals.
3.Antimicrobial & Immune Trigger (Plants)
In agriculture, Rhamnolipids act as biostimulants. They trigger plant immune responses (defense genes) against pathogens and possess mild direct antifungal activity against crops pests (e.g., Phytophthora, Botrytis).

Applications
1.Agriculture (Bio-pesticide Adjuvant)
• Role: Wetting agent and spreader.
• Benefit: Increases the uptake of fertilizers and pesticides by leaves; stimulates plant growth and root health.
2.Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) & Remediation
• Role: Oil displacement agent.
• Benefit: Mobilizes trapped oil in reservoirs due to high interfacial activity; used in bioremediation to clean oil-contaminated soil.
3.Personal Care & Household Cleaning
• Role: Natural foaming agent and cleanser.
• Benefit: Gentle on skin, non-irritating, and replaces sulfates in "Green" shampoos and detergents.

Flow Chart
Fermentation & Downstream Processing
1.Fermentation: Bacterial strain culture in a nutrient-rich medium (Vegetable oil + Sugar).
2.Bioconversion: Microorganisms synthesize Rhamnolipids during the stationary phase.
3.Sterilization: Heat treatment to inactivate bacteria (ensuring safety).
4.Centrifugation: Removal of cell biomass (Cell-free broth).
5.Acid Precipitation: Lowering pH to precipitate crude Rhamnolipids.
6.Solvent Extraction/Purification: To remove impurities and achieve high purity (90%+).
7.Neutralization/Drying: Spray drying for powder or concentration for liquid.
8.QC Testing: Surface Tension & HPLC Analysis.
9.Packaging: 25kg Drums or 1000L IBC Totes.
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Rhamnolipid 90% (Cosmetic/Agro Grade Powder)
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | Light yellow to beige powder | Conforms |
| Active Matter (Rhamnolipids) | ≥ 90.0% | 92.5% |
| Surface Tension (at CMC) | ≤ 30 mN/m | 28.5 mN/m |
| CMC Value | 50 ~ 200 mg/L | 110 mg/L |
| pH (1% Solution) | 6.0 ~ 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Water Solubility | Soluble | Conforms |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | Conforms |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative (Not detected) | Negative |
| Biodegradability | Easy biodegradable | Conforms (OECD 301) |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
HPLC & Surface Tension Measurement
• HPLC: Used to determine the ratio of Mono-rhamnolipids to Di-rhamnolipids (R1/R2 ratio), which affects the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB).
• Tensiometer: We batch-test the surface tension reduction capability to ensure functional performance.
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Visual Placeholder: HPLC Profile)
The chromatogram displays characteristic peaks for Mono-rhamnolipids and Di-rhamnolipids. The absence of protein peaks confirms the high purity and successful removal of fermentation residues.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Temperature: Stable up to 120°C (Process-friendly).
• Salinity: Maintains surface activity even in high salt concentrations (ideal for marine or oilfield use).
• pH Stability: Stable over a wide pH range (4-10).
• Shelf Life: 24 months in dry powder form; 12 months for liquid solution.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Non-toxic, Biodegradable.
• Safety: Unlike chemical surfactants, it low toxicity to aquatic life.
• Handling: Wear mask for powder handling to avoid dust inhalation.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Hygroscopic – keep sealed.
Customer Comments
R&D Agronomist, Bio-Agro Company (Brazil)
2026.04.03
★★★★☆
Project Manager, Environmental Engineering Firm (Canada)
2026.04.03
★★★★☆
Our Certificates
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Exhibitions
• CAC (China International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition)
• In-Cosmetics Global
• SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Events
CPHI & PMEC China 2025
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CPHI & PMEC 2024
CPHI & PMEC China Shanghai
CPHI 2025
CPHI 2024
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FIC 2022
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Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
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FAQ
What is the HLB value of Rhamnolipids?
Rhamnolipids generally have an HLB value in the range of 10-15, making them excellent oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifiers and wetting agents.
Is your product safe? (Pathogen concern)
Yes. While produced by Pseudomonas, our manufacturing process involves strict sterilization and purification. The final product is a cell-free chemical extract containing no viable bacteria. We provide non-pathogenicity certificates.
Can it replace SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)?
Yes. Rhamnolipids are milder, non-irritating, and have better ecological credentials. However, they are lower foaming than SLS. They are often used in combination or for low-foam applications.
References
1.Mulligan, C. N. (2005). Environmental applications for biosurfactants. Environmental Pollution.
2.Nitschke, M., & Pastore, G. M. (2006). Production and properties of surfactants derived from microorganisms. Journal of Food Engineering.
3.Randhawa, K. K., & Rahman, P. K. (2014). Rhamnolipid biosurfactants—past, present, and future scenario of global market. Frontiers in Microbiology.
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