Recent advances in production and applications of biosurfactants

Abstract:

Biosurfactants, amphiphilic substances with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, are mainly produced by microbial fermentation, and can significantly reduce surface and interfacial tensions. Compared with chemical surfactants, biosurfactants are characterized with low toxicity, high biocompatibility, and high degradability, with the application potential in a wide range of fields. However, the high production costs hinder the commercialization of biosurfactants. This review summarize the production of biosurfactants, particularly focusing on the optimization of production processes and metabolic pathways, to explore key factors affecting yield and costs, thus providing solutions for the commercial development of biosurfactants.