Current advances in the classification, production, properties and applications of microbial biosurfactants – a critical review

Ayesha Kashif, Ramla Rehman, Ahmed Fuwad, Muhammad Kashif Shahid*, H. N. P. Dayarathne, Asif Jamal, Muhammad Nauman Aftab, Bandita Mainali, Younggyun Choi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

127 Citations (Scopus)
283 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This review discusses the classification, characteristics, and applications of biosurfactants. The biosynthesis pathways for different classes of biosurfactants are reviewed. An in-depth analysis of reported research is carried out emphasizing the synthetic pathways, culture media compositions, and influencing factors on production yield of biosurfactants. The environmental, pharmaceutical, industrial, and other applications of biosurfactants are discussed in detail. A special attention is given to the biosurfactants application in combating the pandemic COVID-19. It is found that biosurfactant production from waste materials can play a significant role in enhancing circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability. This review also details the life cycle assessment methodologies for the production and applications of biosurfactants. Finally, the current status and limitations of biosurfactant research are discussed and the potential areas are highlighted for future research and development. This review will be helpful in selecting the best available technology for biosynthesis and application of particular biosurfactant under specific conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102718
Pages (from-to)1-22
Number of pages22
JournalAdvances in Colloid and Interface Science
Volume306
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Biosurfactant
  • Biosynthesis
  • Circular bioeconomy
  • Critical micelle concentration
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Waste to valued products

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