Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using compositions as enhanced oil recovery agents, cleaning agents or as agents that improve the function of surfactants, the compositions comprising a surfactant and a protein system, where the protein system comprises proteins and stress proteins obtained by the process of fermenting yeast to obtain a fermentation mixture; subjecting the fermentation mixture to stress conditions to obtain a post-fermentation mixture; and centrifuging the post-fermentation mixture and obtaining the supernatant; where the protein mixture retains its functionality under extreme conditions.