Microbial Biosurfactants: Antimicrobial Activity and Potential Biomedical and Therapeutic Exploits

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant pathogens, including ESKAPE pathogens, pose a significant global health threat, diminishing the efficacy of conventional antibiotics.
• Biosurfactants, amphiphilic molecules from microbial sources, are explored as innovative strategies against antibiotic resistance.
• These agents exhibit low toxicity, high biodegradability, and stability under extreme conditions, unlike synthetic surfactants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and applications of biosurfactants as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents.
• To explore the synergistic effects of biosurfactants in combination with existing antibiotics.
• To discuss the potential anti-cancer and anti-viral (including COVID-19) properties of biosurfactants.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on biosurfactant properties and applications.
• Analysis of research on biosurfactant-microorganism interactions, focusing on adhesion and biofilm formation.
• Examination of studies investigating biosurfactant efficacy in combination therapies and against viral/cancer targets.

Main Results:

• Biosurfactants demonstrate potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities by altering microbial surface properties.
• Combinations of biosurfactants with antibiotics show synergistic effects, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms.
• Emerging evidence suggests biosurfactants possess anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, warranting further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Biosurfactants represent a viable alternative and adjunct to conventional antibiotics for combating drug-resistant infections.
• Their multifaceted biological activities present broad therapeutic potential in medicine and pharmaceuticals.
• Further research into biosurfactant mechanisms and clinical applications is crucial for harnessing their full potential.