Mikrobiyal Biyosürfaktanlar

Abstract

Surfactants (surface-active agents) are defined as amphiphilic compounds that can reduce surface and interfacial tension by accumulating at
the interface of two immiscible phases. Biosurfactans, which are synthesized extracellularly or as a constituent of cell membrane in different
structures by prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, have some distinct superiorities over their synthetically produced counterparts. Due to
low toxicity, high biodegradability, conservation of the functionality under extreme conditions, and different mechanisms of action they have
been widely employed in petroleum, food, agriculture, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as bioremediation of environmental
pollution. This review gives comprehensive information with regard to general properties, classification, factors affecting the production, and
applications of microbial surfactants.