Biosurfactants for Environmental Application

Abstract

Microbial surfactants, commonly referred to as biosurfactants, are a class of surface-active molecules that originate from a diverse array of microorganisms. Which are small compounds with surfaceactive properties that are being widely studied in various industries. This research highlights the importance of selecting the right microorganism and carbon source for biosurfactant production, as they influence the chemistry and cost of production. The focus of biosurfactant applications has been on environmental uses, particularly in bioremediation of contaminated soils containing persistent pollutants like hydrocarbons and heavy metals, which aids in emulsification and solubilization of pollutants, facilitating in-situ biostimulation and bioaugmentation. Also mentions that biosurfactants have low toxicity but can have biocidal effects at higher concentrations. The use of alternative substrates, such as organic waste materials and solid-state fermentation, is gaining interest to enhance biosurfactant production and explore applications within a circular economy framework. This study concludes by stating that the review summarizes recent research on the environmental use of biosurfactants as alternatives to conventional chemical surfactants, and it discusses novel strategies for their production and applications.