Surface Activity of Natural Surfactants Extracted from Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus trifoliatus Soapnuts

Surfactants derived from renewable sources such as plants are an ecological alternative to synthetic surfactants. Aqueous solutions of natural surfactants extracted soapnuts obtained two plants, Sapindus mukorossi and trifoliatus, were studied. Their properties in terms surface tension reduction wettability examinated. The show the ability reduce increase hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene surface. These nuts can be used repeatedly for washing also hard water. Crude extracts Sp. trifoliatus exhibit better than those mukorossi. This makes these a good potential source biosurfactants household use.