Developing next-generation biosurfactants from nature-derived glycolipids — sustainable chemistry for a cleaner world.
GlycoSurf, Inc. is a specialty chemical company and contract research organization focused exclusively on biosurfactants — naturally occurring glycolipid molecules produced by microorganisms that exhibit powerful surface-active properties.
As a contract research organization, GlycoSurf partners with companies across personal care, agriculture, industrial cleaning, and energy sectors to develop custom biosurfactant formulations, conduct applied research, and scale production processes. As a specialty chemical supplier, GlycoSurf also offers high-purity glycolipid products for research and commercial use.
"GlycoSurf operates at the intersection of specialty chemicals and contract research — offering clients both the scientific expertise to develop custom biosurfactant solutions and the production capability to deliver them at scale. Conventional surfactants are overwhelmingly petroleum-derived; our glycolipid platform provides a biodegradable, high-performance alternative with a dramatically reduced environmental footprint."
GlycoSurf harnesses naturally occurring glycolipids — carbohydrate-lipid conjugates produced by select microorganisms — as the foundation for its surfactant platform. These molecules exhibit potent surface-active properties due to their amphiphilic structure.
Unlike petroleum-derived surfactants, GlycoSurf's products are derived from renewable biological feedstocks and are fully biodegradable — breaking down harmlessly in aquatic and terrestrial environments without accumulating in food chains.
The GlycoSurf platform is designed for commercial scalability, with fermentation and downstream processing strategies that translate laboratory yields into industrially relevant quantities for partner applications.
Potential applications span personal care, household cleaning, industrial degreasers, agricultural adjuvants, oil remediation, and enhanced oil recovery — anywhere conventional surfactants are currently used.
GlycoSurf's glycolipids demonstrate CMC values and emulsification indices competitive with leading synthetic surfactants, enabling drop-in substitution without formulation overhaul for many end-use applications.
GlycoSurf is an affiliate member of the Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI), an DOE Energy Innovation Hub — connecting the company to a national network of researchers advancing materials sustainability.
Ryan M. Stolley serves as Principal Chemist at GlycoSurf, Inc., bringing his deep expertise in synthetic chemistry, reaction design, and process development to the company's core R&D efforts.
His involvement brings deep synthetic chemistry expertise to GlycoSurf's core R&D efforts — from process development and structure–activity analysis to strategic research planning.
Learn More About Dr. StolleyDeveloping and optimizing chemical processes for glycolipid production, purification, and formulation at scale.
Applying organometallic and synthetic chemistry expertise to understand how glycolipid structure drives surfactant performance.
Leveraging academic research networks and scientific literature to inform and accelerate GlycoSurf's R&D pipeline.
Guiding research priorities, IP strategy, and technical roadmapping to align chemistry development with commercial goals.
GlycoSurf was founded as a specialty chemical company and contract research organization to develop and commercialize biosurfactant technology for industrial and commercial markets.
GlycoSurf joined the CMI as an affiliate member, gaining access to a DOE-supported network of researchers and resources advancing materials sustainability.
GlycoSurf continues to develop its platform and build industry partnerships. Visit glycosurf.com for the latest news and updates.
For the latest news, products, partnerships, and investment opportunities, visit the official GlycoSurf website.