Novel tensio-active microbial compounds for biocontrol applications

Abstract

Several microorganisms are known to produce tensio-active compounds (biosurfactants). They have emerged out as successful alternative to synthetic surfactants. The enormous diversity of biosurfactants makes them interesting for application in several areas. Rhamnolipids are one such heterogeneous group of compounds which has been studied as a model system and acquired a status as potential performance-effective molecules in various fields, like production of speciality chemicals, additives for environmental remediation and biological control agent. © 2007 Springer.