Carbohydrate-alkyl ester derivatives as biosurfactants

Reaction of carbohydrates with long-chain plant-derived lipids yields carbo hydrate-alkyl ester surfactants with a polyol structure. Their renewability , low cost, and environmental acceptability make carbohydrate-alkyl ester s urfactants an excellent alternative to petrochemically derived products. Th is article reviews developments in the synthesis and surface-active propert ies of carbohydrate-alkyl ester surfactants.