Comprehensive rheological analysis of structurally related acetan-like heteroexopolysaccharides from two Kozakia baliensis strains in surfactants and galactomannan blends

Julia Schilling, Jochen Schmid

Abstract

Natural biopolymers become increasingly attractive as bio-based alternatives to petrolbased rheological modifiers, especially in personal care applications. However, many polysaccharides exhibit undesired chemical interactions in cosmetic applications. Here, a comprehensive rheological analysis of non-decorated acetan-like heteroexopolysaccharides derived from two Kozakia baliensis strains was performed in selected surfactant formulations. The results were compared to native xanthan gum and a genetically engineered xanthan variant, XanΔgumFGL, which lacks any acetyland pyruvyl moieties and whose rheological properties are not affected by saline environments. All four polysaccharides displayed a highly similar rheological performance in the non-ionic surfactant lauryl glucoside, while the rheological properties differed in amphoteric and anionic surfactants cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium laureth sulfate due to minor changes in side chain composition. The native heteroexopolysaccharide derived from K. baliensis LMG 27018 shows significant potential as a salt-independent rheological modifier compared to the genetically engineered XanΔgumFGL variant. In addition, blends of heteroexopolysaccharides from K. baliensis and several galactomannans displayed synergistic effects which were comparable to native xanthan gum-galactomannan blends. This study shows that heteroexopolysaccharides of K. baliensis are capable of further extending the portfolio of bio-based rheological modifiers.