Breakthrough in Biotech Research
Ghee Based Biosurfactant Innovation by DST Institute: Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Assam have developed a novel biosurfactant using ghee as a natural substrate. The institute functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The research team was led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, along with Prof. M. R. Khan and research fellow Anushree Roy. The discovery highlights the growing role of biotechnology and probiotic microorganisms in creating eco-friendly industrial compounds.
Static GK fact: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was established in 1971 to promote science and technology development in India.
Role of Probiotic Bacteria and Ghee
The biosurfactant was synthesised using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5. Researchers used ghee, a lipid-rich dairy product widely used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine, as the primary growth substrate.
Production efficiency was improved using response surface statistical analysis, a method commonly used in bioprocess optimisation. This process enabled the efficient synthesis of a lipopeptide biosurfactant, which combines lipid and peptide components.
The study demonstrates how traditional food-based materials can be integrated with modern microbial biotechnology to produce sustainable chemical compounds.
Static GK Tip: Lactobacillus plantarum is a widely studied probiotic bacterium found in fermented foods such as curd, pickles and fermented vegetables.
Strong Antibacterial Properties
Laboratory experiments showed that the biosurfactant is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly responsible for skin infections, boils and wound infections.
When the biosurfactant was blended with commercial face washes, it significantly improved cleansing and stain removal efficiency. This indicates potential applications in cosmetic and dermatological products.
The compound demonstrated a maximum emulsification index of about 60 percent for edible oils, which reflects strong emulsifying capacity.
Static GK fact: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections and skin diseases.
High Stability and Performance
The newly developed biosurfactant also displayed impressive thermal and chemical stability. It remained stable at temperatures up to 276°C and maintained functionality across different pH levels.
Another key feature is its surface tension reducing ability, which is comparable to that of conventional synthetic surfactants used in cleaning and cosmetic products.
Such properties make the compound suitable for use in detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and environmental remediation technologies.
Need for Sustainable Surfactants
Surfactants are widely used as emulsifiers, dispersants and lubricants in multiple industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing and petroleum extraction.
However, synthetic surfactants often pose environmental risks due to their toxicity and low biodegradability. Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms are considered a safer and biodegradable alternative.
Static GK fact: Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by bacteria, yeast and fungi, widely studied in the field of industrial microbiology and green chemistry.
Future Prospects and Commercialisation
Researchers are currently conducting toxicity testing and dosage standardisation studies to ensure the compound’s safety for consumer applications. Parallel industry collaborations are being explored to scale up production.
If commercialised successfully, the ghee-derived biosurfactant could replace harmful chemical surfactants in cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceutical formulations, promoting sustainable biotechnology solutions in India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Ghee Based Biosurfactant Innovation by DST Institute:
| Topic | Detail |
| Research Institution | Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Assam |
| Parent Department | Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Key Discovery | Novel biosurfactant synthesised using ghee |
| Microorganism Used | Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5 |
| Type of Compound | Lipopeptide biosurfactant |
| Key Antibacterial Target | Staphylococcus aureus |
| Emulsification Efficiency | Around 60 percent for edible oils |
| Thermal Stability | Stable up to about 276°C |
| Industrial Applications | Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents, biomedical products |
| Environmental Significance | Biodegradable alternative to synthetic surfactants |
