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Biosurfactant production by microorganisms on unconventional carbon sources
Author(s) -
Makkar Randhir S.,
Cameotra Swaranjit S.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of surfactants and detergents
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.349
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1558-9293
pISSN - 1097-3958
DOI - 10.1007/s11743-999-0078-3
Subject(s) - chemistry , biodegradation , biochemical engineering , microorganism , production (economics) , carbon source , carbon fibers , waste management , pulp and paper industry , environmental science , bacteria , organic chemistry , engineering , biochemistry , macroeconomics , biology , composite number , economics , genetics , materials science , composite material
Abstract In recent years natural biosurfactants have attracted attention because of their low toxicity, biodegradability, and ecological acceptability. However, for reasons of functionality and production cost, they are not competitive with chemical surfactants. Use of inexpensive substrates can drastically decrease the production cost of biosurfactants. This review describes the use of unconventional carbon sources for biosurfactant production. These sources include urban as well as agroindustrial wastes. With suitable engineering and microbiological modifications, these wastes can be used as substrates for large‐scale production of biosurfactants.