From Pod to Product: A Comparative Evaluation of a Biosurfactant-Based Liquid Detergent Formulated from Cola Hispida Agro-Waste

The transition from laboratory biosurfactant production to functional consumer products remains a critical hurdle for sustainable biotechnology. This study completes a circular bioeconomy model by formulating and evaluating a liquid detergent using glycolipid biosurfactants produced from the fermentation of Cola hispida pod agro-waste. Biosurfactants from individual cultures of a Bacillus sp. and a Pseudomonas sp., and from their synergistic consortium, were integrated as the primary active ingredient into a green detergent base. Performance was assessed through foaming ability and stability. The consortium-derived biosurfactant detergent demonstrated superior foaming performance, producing high, persistent foam (rated +++), outperforming detergents from individual cultures (rated ++). A comparative analysis with existing literature on biosurfactant-based cleaners positions our formulation's performance within the context of established systems, while highlighting its unique origin from underutilized agro-waste. This work successfully closes the valorization chain, providing a tangible proof-of-concept for converting agricultural residue into a market-relevant cleaning product. It underscores a viable model for reducing reliance on petrochemical surfactants while addressing waste management challenges through circular production.