Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2025

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants
Published on: June 3, 2022
Chemical structure, properties and potential applications of surfactin, as well as advanced strategies for improving
Cheng Zhen1, Xian-Feng Ge1, Yi-Ting Lu1
1School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Abstract:
Surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by microbes belonging to the genus Bacillus, is one of the most effective biosurfactants available in many industrial fields. However, its low production and high cost have intensively constrained its commercial applications. In this review, we first summarize the molecular structure, biological properties, beneficial roles and potential applications of surfactin in the fields of medical care and food safety, highlighting the great medical and commercial values of making its industrial production into reality. Further, genetic regulation for surfactin biosynthesis and advanced strategies for enhancing its microbial production, including optimizing fermentation conditions, rational genetic engineering and synthetic biology combined with metabolic engineering approaches, are elucidated. Finally, prospects for improving surfactin biosynthesis are discussed, and the establishment of suitable chassis hosts for exogenous production of surfactin might serve as an important strategy in future research.
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis of Lipids
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Biofilms
Biological Methods for Microbial Control
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

