Abstract: A process for extracting biosurfactants from the solid content in corn steep liquor, using a buffered aqueous solution having a pH of 6-8 and a biosurfactant extract obtained using the process of the invention, and the uses in cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and environmental industries. The obtained biosurfactant has the form of a white powder with foaming capacity and is able to reduce water surface tension by at least 16-20 units.

Abstract: A process for preparing an inorganic porous material, includes the steps of forming a solution of a hydrolyzable inorganic compound with a non-ionic surfactant having organic molecules; inducing growth and condensation of a solid composition comprising an inorganic composition in intimate contact with said organic molecules; and extracting said organic molecules from said inorganic composition so as to provide said inorganic porous material having wall portions defining mesopore-sized channels having a mean diameter of between about 15 .ANG. to about 100 .ANG. and a narrow diameter distribution of less than or equal to about 30 .ANG., said material having a void volume from said mesopore-sized channels of at least about 0.1 cc/g.