Biosurfactants: Production and potential application in insect pest management

Biosurfactants are amphipathic surface-active molecules produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Owing to their low toxicity, high degree of biodegradability, optimal activity at extreme environmental conditions, and environmental friendly nature, biosurfactants have received attention in pest management. Most recently, the insecticidal activities of the biosurfactants obtained from different bacterial species have been reported. Therefore, considering the role of biosurfactants in novel insecticide production and environmentally safe insect pest management, we reviewed the isolation and identification of the biosurfactant-producing bacteria, the production methods of biosurfactants, and their potential applications in insect pest management, as well as delineated the possible future research areas. Finally, we concluded that, in the near future, biosurfactants will be the green pesticides that will replace the synthetic pesticides, and thus, for the discovery of novel insecticides, biochemical and molecular approaches, such as genomic and transcriptomic studies, are appreciable.