Probing interactions in polymer and biosurfactant mixtures: a step towards a bio-sustainable shampoo?

Biosurfactants are surface active molecules that are produced by a variety of microorganisms and plants. They have a growing profile as they are bio-sustainable and biodegradable. In order to evaluate their possible use in formulations (shampoos, detergents, etc), understanding their interactions with commonly used polymers in these formulations is important, as mixtures of synthetic polymers/surfactants with biosurfactants is showing to be the most promising route to incorporate them in formulations. In this proposal we wish to probe these interactions with/without an anti-dandruff agent (Piroctone olamine) using SANS.