Microbial biosurfactants: prospects of sustainable molecules with promising applications in bioremediation

Abstract

The dispersal of various chemical pollutants in our environment requires the development of effective approaches that would lead to the bioremediation of contaminated areas. The biological methods such as the application of microbial biosurfactants represent one of the suitable solutions that has gained large attention due to their structural diversity, molecular sizes, and multifunctional characteristics. Thus, they are likely to be applied in the field of bioremediation, where they can lower the surface and interfacial tensions at different interfaces leading to removal of pollutants or improve their biodegradation and bioavailability. The presented review highlights the recent advances and knowledge on the important aspects of microbial biosurfactant applications in bioremediation.