ABSTRACT
Chemicalbased surfactants are widely used in household, industry, and agriculture. However, unfavourable environmental issues that are caused during their synthesis and use are constituting an increasing concern worldwide.Biosurfactants encompass awide groups of amphiphilic moleculeswhich can be synthesized by yeast as a biofactory. They have high surface activity and a low critical micelle concentration.The potential for industrial applications has been growing, as these natural environmentally friendly compoundis in advantagesover synthetic surfactants in term of biodegradability and low toxicity. Some yeasts present no risks of toxicity and shows emulsifying activity, hemolytic activity, antiviral activity and antitumor activity which making them ideal for use in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticalingredients.Besides that, biosurfactants proved to have important roles in petroleum industry and in the bioremediation. This chapter highlights the characteristics of biosurfactant, biosynthesis, production and applications in industries.
