ABSTRACT
Marine ecosystems are oligotrophic environments, and hence microbes have excellent competition for resources. Therefore, microbes produce diverse molecules for resource hunting and survival in that ecological niche. Various such natural sources of bioactive molecules, primarily of microbial origin, are yet to be explored. One such is biosurfactants (BSs), which are surface-active compounds made up of hydrophobic and hydrophilic moiety exhibiting emulsification properties. BSs have gained much interest due to their biocompatibility, adaptability, and sustainable features and their applications in various biotechnological sectors. Several marine organisms have been studied from multiple habitats worldwide and are known to be good producers of surfactants. BSs produced by marine microorganisms are well studied for their role in bioremediation and promoting emulsification of hydrocarbon waste, helping in environmental restoration. Though many BS-producing marine microorganisms have been isolated and surfactant production is reported, most of the marine organism world remains untouched and undiscovered. The present chapter addresses a general overview of surface-active compounds of marine microbial origin, their structural classification, and their role in bioremediation to enhance the knowledge inherent in their role in the environment and its future biotechnological applications.
