MICROBIAL SURFACTANTS: CLASSIFICATIONS, PROPERTIES, RECOVERY, AND APPLICATIONS

Surface-active agents or surfactants are amphiphilic compounds derived naturally chemically synthesized. Natural so-called biosurfactants can be obtained from bacteria, yeasts, and fungi as well plants. Due to their hydrophilic hydrophobic molecules, offer the ability reduce surface interfacial tension create microemulsion between aqueous organic phases. Many studies have suggested a better substitution chemical since they more environment friendly, biocompatible, has lower toxicity. This review article is provided introduce some general information regarding microbial-derived including five main classes of several distinctive properties that confer them promising surface-active agents. diverse molecular structures, been applied in various applications. Thus, common biosurfactant recovery methods discussed examples applications hydrocarbon removal industrial processing highlighted.