**Executive Summary**
A North East India-based institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has synthesised a novel bio-based surfactant with antibacterial and cleansing properties using natural substances. The compound can potentially replace artificial surfactants in cosmetics and medicines. Further toxicity assessments, dose standardisation, and industry-driven research are underway to expedite commercialisation. The original report was posted on 25 FEB 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Biosurfactant Synthesis:**
* A novel biosurfactant was synthesised using natural substances.
* The synthesis employs the probiotic *Lactobacillus plantarum* JBC5, using ghee as a lipid-rich substrate.
* **Compound Properties and Efficacy:**
* The compound is effective against *Staphylococcus aureus*, responsible for skin and wound infections.
* It demonstrates enhanced stain removal efficiency when blended with commercial face washes.
* It demonstrates surface tension-reducing properties, stability at elevated temperatures (up to 276 °C) and across diverse pH levels.
* The lipopeptide biosurfactant achieved a maximum emulsification index of 60% for edible oils.
* **Potential Applications:**
* Potential use in cosmetics and medicines as a replacement for artificial surfactants.
* **Ongoing Research:**
* Further toxicity assessments and dose standardisation are being carried out.
* Collaborative industry-driven research is underway to expedite commercialisation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Industries**
*Impact:*
Potential use of a bio-based alternative to artificial surfactants in cosmetics and medicines.
*Action Required:*
Evaluate the potential of incorporating the biosurfactant into their products as a safer, natural alternative.
**Researchers**
*Impact:*
Further research opportunities in toxicity assessment, dose standardisation, and commercialisation.
*Action Required:*
Continue research and development to facilitate commercialisation of the compound.
**Consumers**
*Impact:*
Potential access to cosmetic and medicinal products with safer, bio-based ingredients.
*Action Required:*
Await further developments and product availability.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Science and Technology (DST): Indian government department funding the research institute that synthesized the biosurfactant.
Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5: Probiotic strain used to synthesize the biosurfactant.
North East India: Location of the research institute where the biosurfactant was synthesized.
Ministry of Science & Technology
North East institute synthesises biobased
compound that can substitute lubricants in
cosmetic industry
Posted On: 25 FEB 2026 4:39PM by PIB Delhi
An institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) based in North East India has
synthesised a novel biosurfactant with promising antibacterial and cleansing properties using natural
substances.
The compound has been found to act effectively against bacterium Staphylococcus aureus responsible for
skin and wound infections, and demonstrates enhanced stain removal efficiency when blended with
commercial face washes.
It can be used in cosmetics and medicines and can be a replacement for artificial surfactants.
Surfactants are extensively promoted as lubricants, dispersants, and emulsifiers in several industries.
Nevertheless, there is a pressing need for bio-based alternatives owing to growing concerns of toxicity and
non-biodegradability of synthetic surfactant analogues.
A study led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, and his colleagues Prof. M. R. Khan and Ms.
Anushree Roy, SRF, synthesized biosurfactants employing the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5,
employing ghee, a ubiquitous and culturally relevant milk product, as a new, lipid-rich substrate.
Fig: Schematic representation of biosurfactant production from Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5 using ghee
as a lipid-rich substrate including process optimisation, characterisation and application thereof
The optimum production of biosurfactant was achieved by a technique called response surface statistical
analysis. The lipopeptide biosurfactant achieved a maximum emulsification index of 60% for edible oils
and demonstrated surface tension-reducing properties similar to other surfactants. It demonstrated
exceptional stability at elevated temperatures (up to 276 °C) and across diverse pH levels.Its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and enhanced stain removal capabilities when
used with commercial face wash underscore its potential use in cosmetics and medicines, substituting
detrimental artificial surfactants.
The scientists are carrying out further toxicity assessments, dose standardization, and collaborative
industry-driven research to expedite commercialization of the compound.
Publication Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2025.08.015
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