ABSTRACT
Biosurfactants are molecules which possess the qualities of a surfactant but are of a biological origin. These are synthesized mainly by the microbes such as bacteria, fungi or yeast; that is either a metabolite product (may be extracellular or not) or produced by the cell or the cell itself from the surface chemistry. Structurally they may be of different origins being produced by different organisms over different substances and thus possess varied chemical structures. These are also termed as surface active biomolecules owing to their unique functional property of acting on the surface and the interfacial tension of the liquid in which they are added. Studies have clearly portrayed that these biomolecules have been found to play a key role in cell signaling in bacteria, cellular differentiation, bioflim formation, bacterial pathogenesis and act as a biocidal agent. These naturally occurring surface active compounds possess the potential of application in varied fields, such as agriculture, bioremediation, food industry, cosmetics, environment protection and the pharmaceutical industry.
