The Role of Rhamnolipid-based Nanostructures in the Special Cleaning of Chemical Toxic Agents

Abstract

Background: Persistent hydrophobic chemical toxic agents can strongly adhere to contaminated surfaces, making their removal difficult by conventional decontamination methods. Rhamnolipid-based nanostructures have emerged as promising environmentally friendly systems due to their adaptive interfacial properties and potential for enhanced toxin removal. Aims: This study aims to systematically explain the role of rhamnolipid-based nanostructures in the decontamination process. Study Design: The main idea is that the behavior of these systems is not constant and changes as the environmental conditions change. In particular, it was considered how changes in pH and ionic strength affect the shape of the nanostructures and how this affects the removal of chemical toxins from the surface. In this regard, the decontamination process is explained not only as surface cleaning, but also in conjunction with the change occurring at the structural level. The study is conceptual in nature and for this purpose a mechanistic model was built. Methodology: The model shows the relationship between the transition between micelle and vesicle structures, surface tension, interaction between the surface and the toxin, and the desorption process. Results: The results show that it is possible to influence the phase state of nanostructures by changing the environmental conditions. The increase in vesicle structures leads to a decrease in surface tension, a weakening of the bond between the surface and the toxin, and, as a result, an easier separation of the toxin from the surface. Conclusion: At the same time, the effectiveness of this process depends on both the properties of the toxin and the structure of the surface. In general, this approach allows us to consider rhamnolipid systems not only as cleaners, but also as systems that can adapt to the environment and be controlled to some extent.