This collaborative project joins researchers from the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Studies in Novel Surfactants at Columbia University and the I/UCRC for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York. The research will focus on understanding how biosurfactant structures can be fin tuned to improve their interface properties, which in turn, will impact their performance. This research will be conducted in two phases; develop a family of biosurfactants and study interface properties. This research has the potential to significantly impact the use of biosurfactants in the medical area.
This collaborative effort will have a broad impact on participating students, industry and faculty members and will increase the research base for biosurfactants. The research will help towards the development of a variety of biosurfactants that will suit the needs of industrial applications.