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The process uses `amino-acid derived ionic liquid surfactants` (AADILSes).
They are eco-friendly compounds, having an edge over the conventional liquid organic solvents like Benzene, Toulene and Chloromethane.
AADILSes also find use in drug delivery processes, making of bio-molecular devices, and nano-material synthesis.
"We have standardised a process to convert natural amino acids into ionic liquid surfactants which are very versatile in nature and highly bio-degradable," said Dr Arvind Kumar, a scientist at the Bhavnagar-based institute.
"The ionic liquids are ten times more surface-active compared with the conventional surfactants. They have been found suitable for removal of harmful algae from sea water," Kumar said.
"We exposed AADILSs to a toxic marine algae – Amphidinium Cartarae - to test its ability to prevent algal bloom. The results show that small concentration of it was enough to kill algae without side-effects on the surrounding environment."
Fish can die on consumption of Amphidinium Cartarae, such is its toxicity. Further, the seafood with traces of this algae can make humans sick, mainly with stomach-related ailments.
