de Almeida F.C., da Silva M.E.P., Bezerra K.G., da Silva M. da G.C., Sarubbo L.A., 2026, Eco-Friendly Biosurfactant Gel from Starmerella Bombicola for Crude Oil Removal on Coral Surfaces, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 124, 127-132.
This study evaluated the potential of a biosurfactant produced by Starmerella bombicola ATCC22214 formulated as a gel for oil removal from coral surfaces in marine environments. The biosurfactant was produced in a 50 L bioreactor and exhibited an anionic profile, achieving a surface tension reduction of 32.08 mN/m, an emulsification index of 93%, a yield of 13.5 g/L, and a Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of 0.65 g/L. The biosurfactant was incorporated into a sodium alginate–based gel formulation that exhibited physicochemical stability and favorable organoleptic properties. Ecotoxicological assays using Artemia salina indicated low toxicity and environmental safety. Marine organism recruitment further confirmed its non-toxic behavior. Cleaning assays demonstrated effective solubilization and removal of crude oil. More than 90% of oil adhered to coral surfaces was successfully removed. The results highlight the gel’s high cleaning efficiency and ecological compatibility. Thus, the biosurfactant-based gel represents a sustainable alternative for marine oil remediation.
