Biosurfactants for Biodégradation

Abstract

The low toxicity, biodegradability, powerful surface activity, and the functionality under extreme conditions (pH, salinity and temperature) make the surfactants produced by micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts) best surface active molecules that can replace hazardous and non degradable chemical surfactants in different industries and fields. In recent decades, there has been growing interest in the use of biosurfactants for bioremediation of environmental pollution and biodegradation of various categories of hydrophobic pollutants and waste due to their eco-friendly and low-cost properties. This chapter presents the classification, the characteristics, and the potential uses of biosurfactants in the solubilization and enhancing the biodegradation of low solubility compounds.<br>