Production and characterization of low molecular weight sophorolipid under fed-batch culture

The present study was designed for the production and optimization of the C12–C14 sophorolipid, using the yeast Candida bombicola ATCC-22214. The fermentation was carried under fed-batch culture conditions i.e., maintaining 15% coconut oil and 10% glucose as hydrophobic and hydrophilic carbon sources, respectively. A maximum yield 54.0 g/L (in 234 h) was achieved. A significant antimicrobial activity, surface activity, and emulsion ability were recorded. The native sophorolipid was found as enhancer of detergent efficacy of commercial detergent, tested on complex, smudge and oil contaminated clothes. Molecular weight of the C12 (605/623) and C14 (633/651) sophorolipids were determined by LC–MS which revealed it as diacetylated sophorolipid. This study is being important in terms of yield, which is better than the previously reported.