Surfactin and surfactin-like production, purification, and application at marine environments

Abstract

Surfactin, a biosurfactant with great activity on interfaces, have been reported as a great substitute to non-renewable sources, non-biologically synthesized surfactants. It is expected to see more studies at the next years evolving its application, including on marine environments, especially ones impacted with petroleum or other contaminants. In this review we address in details the main aspects of surfactin production, including main microorganisms, cultivation modes, pathways and conditions. We address the main aspects of surfactin production by Bacillus subtilis with the different strategies explored to reach this bioprocess up to large scale, as well as the main challenges encountered. As well, is detailed its recovery and purification methods, that generally combine two or more steps as acid precipitation, solvent extraction, liquid membrane extraction, foam fractionation and membrane-based techniques. We also provide a brief summary of its potential application on marine environments, and our prospects from future application, as a brief outlook on physiochemistry characteristics of the main molecules.