Biosurfactants as Sustainable Solutions for Environmental and Industrial Challenges

Abstract

Biosurfactants are diverse groups of surface-active molecules synthesized by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts. They have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and wide-ranging applications in bioremediation and various industrial sectors. Unlike synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants are biodegradable, exhibit lower toxicity, and are effective under extreme conditions, making them environmentally sustainable alternatives. Prominent bacterial taxa with biosurfactant properties include Mycobacterium, Bacillus, Actinobacteria, Sphingomona, Halomonas, Alcanivorax, Rhodococcus, Pseudoalteromonas, and Arthrobacter. Production, characterization, and functional attributes of microbial biosurfactants, highlight their role in enhancing the efficiency of bioremediation processes and their potential in industrial applications. Furthermore, the industrial utilization of biosurfactants in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing, emphasize their capacity to replace conventional chemical surfactants. Advances in biotechnological methods for the large-scale production of biosurfactants, address the challenges associated with cost-effectiveness and yield optimization.