Abstract:
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Biosurfactants (BS) are a structurally diverse group of surface-active substances produced by microorganisms. Interest in
BS production has markedly increased during the past decade, although large-scale production has not been possible because of
low production yields and high total costs. At present, BS have gained importance in environmental applications, while new
applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic and food
industry, with a high added value, are still developing. This article describes classical and new BS producer bacteria together with
their new BS applications. With these specialized and costeffective
applications, BS can be considered as an interesting option for the near future. |