Rhamnolipids bio-production and miscellaneous applications towards green technologies: a literature review
Sanaa S A Kabeil1, Amira M G Darwish2,3, Soad A Abdelgalil4
1Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Borg El Arab, Egypt.
Peerj
|April 18, 2025
Summary
Rhamnolipids (RLs) are green biosurfactants with diverse applications. This review highlights their sustainable bioproduction, detection, and use in pharmaceuticals, bioremediation, and agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedicine
- Green Chemistry and Sustainability
Background:
- Rhamnolipids (RLs) are gaining attention as versatile biosurfactants.
- They exhibit significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor properties.
- Their economic production from waste, biodegradability, and low toxicity position them as key green molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bioproduction, detection, and applications of rhamnolipids.
- To explore their utility in pharmaceuticals, soil bioremediation, agriculture, and food industries.
- To discuss future perspectives for sustainable biosurfactant development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on rhamnolipid research.
- Analysis of fermentation processes for rhamnolipid bioproduction.
- Synthesis of information on rhamnolipid detection and application.
Main Results:
- Rhamnolipids demonstrate broad-spectrum biological activities.
- Sustainable production methods are being developed using waste materials.
- Diverse applications are emerging across multiple industries.
Conclusions:
- Rhamnolipids offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants.
- Further research in biotechnology and biomedicine is warranted.
- Optimized fermentation processes are crucial for scalable and economic production.
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