Surfactants of microbial origin as antibiofilm agents

Int J Environ Health Res. 2021 Jun;31(4):401-420. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1664729. Epub 2019 Sep 11.

Abstract

The microbial world provides new energy sources and many various 'green' chemicals. One type of chemicals produced by microorganisms is the biosurfactant group. Biosurfactants are universal molecules, exhibiting surface properties often accompanied by desired biological activity. Biosurfactants are considered to be environmentally 'friendly' due to their low toxicity and biodegradable nature. These compounds have unique features and therefore they can find potential applications in many different industries, ranging from biotechnology to environmental remediation technologies. Antibacterial and antifungal activities make them relevant for applications as inhibitory agents against microbial biofilm. This review covers the current knowledge and the recent advances in the field of biosurfactants as antibiofilm agents.

Keywords: Antibiofilm agents; biofilm; biosurfactants.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena / drug effects
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Fungi / drug effects*
  • Fungi / physiology
  • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Surface-Active Agents