Saponin Molecules from Quinoa Residues: Exploring Their Surfactant, Emulsifying, and Detergent Properties

• Published in: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 29; no. 20; p. 4928
• Main Authors: Bustos, Kiara A. García, Muñoz, Salvador Sanchez, da Silva, Silvio S., Alarcon, Miguel A. D. Flores, dos Santos, Júlio C., Andrade, Gilberto J. Colina, Hilares, Ruly Terán
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 18.10.2024
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules29204928

The indiscriminate use of synthetic surfactants, despite their desirable properties, poses significant environmental risks to ecosystems. This study explores saponins extracted from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) residues as a sustainable alternative. Saponin extract (SE) with 42% purity, obtained through hydrodynamic cavitation and membrane technology, was analyzed to determine its techno-functional properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was 1.2 g/L, reducing the surface tension (ST) from 72.0 mN/m to 50.0 mN/m. The effects of temperature (30–90 °C), pH (2–12), and salinity (10,000–150,000 ppm NaCl) on ST and the emulsification index (EI) were assessed using a Box–Behnken design. Optimized conditions yielded an ST of 49.02 mN/m and an EI of 63%. Given these characteristics, SE was evaluated as a detergent across diverse swatches. This study showcases the attributes of quinoa-derived saponins, highlighting their potential for eco-friendly detergent applications.