ABSTRACT
A comparison between biosurfactants and chemically synthesized surfactants presents the unique challenge of comparing two types of compounds that ultimately have the similar function of being an amphiphilic molecule, but differ quite signicantly with regard to their origins. These differing origins will have a profound impact on a variety of properties such as biodegradability, ecotoxicity, chemical stability, pricing, and so forth. It is the aim of this chapter to offer an insight into the various ways in which sourcing and synthesis will affect the nal product. To this end, the three stages of the product’s life cycle-production, usage, and waste-are compared to one another.
