An Overview of Biosurfactants: Structures, Functions, and Applications in Hydrocarbon Bioremediation

Abstract

A comprehensive overview of biosurfactants, focusing on their diverse structures, fundamental functions, and promising applications in hydrocarbon bioremediation. Biosurfactants, microbially synthesized amphiphilic compounds, are characterized by distinct hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties, enabling them to reduce surface and interfacial tensions. Classification, ranging from glycolipids and lipopeptides to polysaccharides and fatty acids, and elucidates their mechanism of action, particularly micelle formation at the critical micelle concentration (CMC), which enhances the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

A significant portion was dedicated to highlighting the critical role of biosurfactants in environmental bioremediation. They augment the degradation of hydrocarbons by improving microbial access to insoluble substrates through enhanced dissolution, desorption, and transport, thereby accelerating biodegradation rates. Compared to synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants offer numerous advantages, including superior surface activity, remarkable temperature and ionic strength tolerance, inherent biodegradability, low toxicity, and the potential for cost-effective in situ production.

Beyond bioremediation, it explores their broad utility across various industries, such as enhanced oil recovery, petroleum tank cleaning, wastewater treatment, and applications in cosmetics, food processing, and drug delivery. The emphasis on their environmentally friendly nature positions biosurfactants as compelling green alternatives for sustainable industrial and environmental biotechnological solutions. However, the commercial viability and widespread adoption of biosurfactants necessitate ongoing research into cost-effective production methods, strain optimization, and process scaling. We underscores biosurfactants' profound potential to mitigate pollution and drive innovation in bio-based industries.