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For decades, microorganisms have been known as producers of surfactants, one of the most important classes of bulk chemicals. In the framework of the current environmental concerns, biosurfactants gain interest due to their low toxicity and good biodegradability. Consequently, they offer a valid alternative to their petrol-derived counterparts. Starmerella bombicola is able to produce gycolipid sophorolipids. Through genetic engineering of this yeast it is possible to create new-to-nature biosurfactants like glucolipids and bolaform sophorolipids or enhance biosynthesis of one specific molecule instead of the mixture produced by the wild type. These new strains and molecules possess unrevealed characteristics and therefore, new production processes were studied involving both fermentation and purification.

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Tiago received his MSc degree in Biological Engineering from IST (University of Lisbon). He developed this thesis in UGhent. Then he moved to Belgium, working for P&G as R&D assistant within surface cleaners development. Currently Tiago works for Univercells as bioprocess engineer specialized in the purification of viral vaccines and antibodies.

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