Sugar Esters of Fatty Acids: Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis and Biological Activity

Human applications of surfactants have been diverse, from their initial use as detergents to their subsequent utilization in a multitude of other fields, including medicine, lubricants, cosmetics, and even assisted oil recovery. Nevertheless, the most significant challenge lies in the synthesis of surfactants. A particular challenge is the purification of compounds following chemical synthesis, as well as the toxic effect of the solvents used. Consequently, there is a growing need for more environmentally friendly solutions, namely solvents that are less toxic and more biocompatible, as well as reactions in which an enzyme serves as a catalyst. This review examines the various methods of synthesizing sugar esters and glycolipids, evaluating their respective advantages and disadvantages.