Biosynthesis and Technological Advancements of Biosurfactants

Abstract

The growing industrial development and concomitant efforts to protect mother Earth from alleviating pollution levels has greatly demanded the use and disposal of milder chemicals and xenobiotics. Of the widely used xenobiotics, surfactants have an increasing market demand due to its prevalent role in pharmaceutical preparations, food industry as well as almost all foaming products. The use of biosurfactants in place of chemical surfactants has gained momentum owing to the low toxicity, higher biodegradability and better environmental compatibility of biosurfactants. The current review outlays the various biosurfactants produced and their significance in various industries. An outline of the various biosynthetic pathways, challenges and advancements in the synthesis of the two mostly used biologically synthesised biosurfactants—rhamnolipids and sophorolipids has been discussed.