Soy-based Cationic Surfactants

Researchers at Purdue University have developed soy-based cationic surfactants that are biobased and biodegradable. These surfactants are ideal for industrial applications as they possess both comparable and superior surface activity to petroleum-based surfactants. Most conventional shampoos, conditioners, and antimicrobial washes are petroleum-based and do not biodegrade over time. The surfactants created by Purdue's approach could be used to replace the commercial surfactants currently used in consumer goods without negatively impacting the environment and human health. This technology offers favorable benefits to companies who manufacture personal care products and are looking to become more sustainable without impacting product performance.

Advantages

-Biodegradable alternative for consumer goods

-Replacement for petroleum-based alternatives

-Inexpensive

-Do not sacrifice interfacial properties

Applications

-Green Technology

-Bio-based materials

-Personal care products

Technology Validation:

The surfactant exhibited comparable and better surface activity to commercial quaternary ammonium (QA) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB) and better surface activity than dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB).

TRL: 3

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Biobased surfactants,Biodegradable surfactants,Cationic surfactants,Sustainable personal care ingredients,Petroleum-free formulations,Green chemistry,Surface-active agents,Eco-friendly consumer products,Renewable raw materials,Plant-based chemical alternatives