ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to highlight the importance of biomolecules of microbial and natural origin and emphasizes the challenges associated with the use of such biomolecules. Small biomolecules, which are the intermediates and products of cell metabolism and have an important role in cell functioning, are often called metabolites. While biomolecules like sugars and amino acids, involved in basic life functions are known as primary metabolites, in plants hundreds of other small molecules called secondary metabolites are found. However, research findings on nutraceuticals are frequently misinterpreted and the compounds are described as harmless and their beneficial effects are over projected for commercial interests due to high consumer demands. Biosurfactants have recently become the focus of many studies and implementations from the food industry to the oil industry due to many significant benefits over synthetic surfactants. Trials on mixtures as well as highly purified molecules will be required in the future to better understand the mechanisms of action of biosurfactants.
