Abstract
Microbial surfactants (biosurfactants) are a broad category of surface-active biomolecules with multifunctional properties. They self-assemble in aqueous solutions and are adsorbed on various interfaces, causing a decrease in surface tension, as well as interfacial tension, solubilization of hydrophobic compounds, and low critical micellization concentrations. Microbial biosurfactants have been investigated and applied in several fields, including bioremediation, biodegradation, food industry, and cosmetics. Biosurfactants also exhibit anti-microbial, anti-biofilm, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and immunomodulatory activities. Recently, it has been reported that biosurfactants can increase the immune responses and disease resistance of fish. Among various microbial surfactants, lipopeptides, glycolipids, and phospholipids are predominantly investigated. This review presents the various immunological activities of biosurfactants, mainly glycolipids and lipopeptides. The applications of biosurfactants in aquaculture, as well as their immunomodulatory activities, that make them novel therapeutic candidates have been also discussed in this review.
Highlights
Microbial surfactants or biosurfactants (BS) are surface active molecules produced naturally by microorganisms
BS are divided into two classes: (a) high-molecular weight BS and (b) low-molecular weight BS [6]
BS are divided into 5 types based on their structure: (a) lipoproteins or lipopeptides, (b) glycolipids, (c) phospholipids, natural lipids, and fatty acids, (d) polymeric BS, and (e) particulate BS [7]
Summary
Microbial surfactants or biosurfactants (BS) are surface active molecules produced naturally by microorganisms They comprise both hydrophobic (e.g., hydrocarbon (saturated or unsaturated) chains or fatty acids) and hydrophilic (e.g., acids, peptides, mono-/di-/poly-saccharides) moieties [1]. Due to their amphipathic nature, BS aggregate at interfaces and reduce the interfacial tension, increasing the water solubility of hydrophobic compounds. They are less toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and stable in a wide range of pH, temperatures, or salinity [1,2].
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