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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants

Published on: June 3, 2022

Biosurfactants: A Covid-19 Perspective.

Matthew L Smith¹, Stefano Gandolfi¹, Philippa M Coshall¹

¹Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Science, Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Microbiology

|June 26, 2020

Summary

Biosurfactants show promise in combating severe acute respiratory syndrome - coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by disrupting its lipid membrane. Further research is needed to explore their therapeutic potential and safety in human models.

Keywords:

Covid-19 biosurfactants cleaning products drug delivery handwash soap

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Biochemistry
Virology

Background:

The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome - coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlighted limitations in current treatments, which primarily manage symptoms rather than the viral cause.
Novel research avenues are crucial for developing effective pandemic countermeasures.
Biosurfactants, natural compounds with amphiphilic structures, are emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the potential applications of biosurfactants in managing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
To investigate how biosurfactants can target the viral lipid membrane and its implications for viral spread and host cells.

Main Methods:

Analysis of biosurfactant amphiphilic structure and its interaction with lipid membranes.
Review of potential applications including viral spread prevention, symptom management, and drug delivery.
Assessment of biosurfactant cytotoxicity and sustainability.

Main Results:

Biosurfactants can interact with the lipid membrane of SARS-CoV-2 due to their amphiphilic nature.
Potential applications include preventing viral spread, treating symptoms, and acting as drug delivery systems.
Biosurfactants are natural, sustainable, and exhibit low cytotoxicity, though human model studies are pending.

Conclusions:

Biosurfactants represent a promising, sustainable, and low-toxicity approach for addressing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Their ability to disrupt the viral lipid membrane warrants further investigation for therapeutic development.
Additional studies in human models are necessary to fully understand their efficacy and safety profile.