Antimicrobial applications of sophorolipid from Candida bombicola: A promising alternative to conventional drugs

Abstract

Sophorolipids (SLs) are extracellular glycolipids, produced mainly by yeast Candida bombicola, composed of a disaccharide sophorose (O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-1-β-D-glucopyranose) linked by a glycosidic bound to the terminal or sub-terminal carbon of a fatty acid chain. Due to these structural characteristics, SLs have been reported with several applications, which are directly related to the predominance of their acidic and lactonic forms. SLs are the most promising and attractive biosurfactant, highlighting its antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activities of SLs are due to the mechanism of changes or rupture in the cellular membrane, inducing the outpouring of their cytoplasmic contents, and the consequent death of the pathogen. This surfactant can be used as an alternative for the substitution of conventional drugs.

Elucidation of the Natural Function of Sophorolipids Produced by Starmerella bombicola

“…Proving that several tested genera, next to three ecologically highly relevant species (H. alvei, F. fructosus, and Z. rouxii) are inhibited by SLs correlates with the broad antimicrobial activity that is needed to favor S. bombicola-showing a clear competitive advantage over the other tested microorganisms, as it was not inhibited by 20 or 30 g•L −1 of SLs-in these environments (see Figure 2). SLs presumably exert their antimicrobial activity by changing or rupturing cellular membranes and hence target a fundamental and universal prerequisite for the survival of cells [76,77]. How S. bombicola acquired an increased resistance and circumvents this antimicrobial mechanism is not clear.…”

From bumblebee to bioeconomy: Recent developments and perspectives for sophorolipid biosynthesis

“…Important to note is that these antimicrobial experiments were performed with eye on application potential of SLs and therefore, the examined strains lack relevance with the ecological niche of SL producing strains. Nevertheless, SLs indeed exert antimicrobial activity by changing or rupturing cellular membranes through similar effects exerted by detergents and hence target a fundamental and universal prerequisite for survival of cells (Akemi et al, 2018). In this way, the microorganisms populating the natural habitat are likely also inhibited by the presence of SLs, giving the SL producing microorganism a competitive advantage and thus resulting in a niche protection role of SLs.…”

Myristic Acid Derived Sophorolipid: Efficient Synthesis and Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

“…Sophorolipids (SLs) have emerged as promising substitutes for petroleum-derived conventional surfactants as they are biodegradable, non-toxic, and cost-effective. , These molecules have good surface tension-lowering abilities and varied biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties …”