Project
Optimal production of stable Class II hydrophobin powders with minimal loss of biospecific functionalities for use in cosmetics
Hydrophobins (HFB) are interesting microbial biosurfactants produced by filamentous fungi. These cysteine-rich proteins of low molecular weight exhibit exceptional surface active properties because they can change the polarity of surfaces. An important feature of Class II HFB is that adsorbed layers are formed with higher shear surface elasticity compared to other proteins. Class II HFB are therefore of great potential economic value in the field of medicine, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Despite their valuable properties towards several valorization activities, there is still no major commercial breakthrough due to a lack of sufficient quantities of Class II HFB and their high sensitivity for inactivation and microbial degradation during storage. The general strategic objectives of this project proposal are therefore to optimally produce and purify Class II HFB and to stabilize the HFB while maximally preserving their physicochemical properties and functionalities with or without the addition of excipients during drying. Subsequently, HFB characteristics will be translated towards practical industrial applications for the cosmetics industry