BIOSURFACTANTS: APPLICATIONS AND ORGANISMS THAT PRODUCE THEM

Abstract

Biosurfactants which are amphiphilic compounds synthesized from microorganisms and plants have properties such as low toxicity and high biodegradability and are great alternatives in domestic and industrial uses. A lot of research has gone into production, characterization and uses of biosurfactants because of its eco-friendly properties in remediation of the environment. Crude oil and its products causes deleterious harm to the environment which needs to be cleaned up with environmentally friendly substances such as biosurfactants, so as not to cause more harm to the environment in the bid to get it cleaned up. Biosurfactants are cheaply available because the substrates used in their production are low cost and readily available. Biosurfactants display an accomplished and well-ordered application in various ways such as food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, petroleum and agricultural industries. This review describes synthetic and biosurfactants classification, mechanism of action and applications. It also focuses on organisms that produce biosurfactants and why they do.