Methods for investigating biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers: a review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microorganisms produce a wide array of biosurfactants (BS) and bioemulsifiers (BE) with diverse structures and functions.
• Investigating these amphiphilic molecules requires a variety of specialized techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review microbial screening methods for BS/BE production.
• To present extraction, purification, and analytical techniques for BS/BE characterization.
• To discuss methodologies indispensable for studying these surface-active compounds.

Main Methods:

• Screening microbial culture broth and cell biomass for surface-active compounds.
• Extraction and purification techniques including precipitation, solvent extraction, ultrafiltration, ion exchange, and chromatography (e.g., TLC, HPLC).
• Structure determination methods such as IR, GC-MS, NMR, FAB-MS, and amino acid sequencing.

Main Results:

• Advantages and disadvantages of various screening methods are highlighted.
• A range of simple and elaborate analytical techniques are described for BS/BE analysis.
• Experimental strategies like light scattering and hydrodynamic characterization are discussed.

Conclusions:

• A combination of analytical methods is often essential for comprehensive BS/BE study.
• Isolating, purifying, and characterizing biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers requires meticulous methodology and iterative approaches.
• This review provides a foundational overview of essential methodologies for biosurfactant and bioemulsifier research.