About this Research Topic
Our world is under serious threat from environmental degradation, climate change, and disease outbreaks known as pandemics. The devastating impact of the recent COVID-19, as well as the sharp increase in cases of cancer, pulmonary failure, and heart disease, has raised concerns about the long-term development of our livelihoods. Thus, scientific and technological advancements should be more focused on the absolute safety and security of the environment, people, and eco-systems.
The actual context requires a transition from 'brown chemistry' to 'green chemistry.' There is indeed an increase of research focused on this endeavor, with the goal of finding less polluting, environmentally beneficial solvents and chemicals. Alternative substances with lower toxicity, biodegradability, chemical stability, eco-safety, efficient solubilization, and ease of recycling are best suited. Scientists all over the world are suggesting improved production methodologies, developing alternative green chemicals and bio-based precursors. Bio-Surfactants are one of the most important chemical products in this line of research.
Biologically derived surfactants are amphiphilic interface active agents. A variety of filamentous fungi, yeast, and bacteria produce Bio-Surfactants (BSs) extracellularly or as a component of the cell membrane. Sugar, oil waste, and vegetable oils are all potential carbohydrate sources for BSs production. Bio-surfactants outperform their chemical counterparts in terms of toxicity, environmental compatibility, and biodegradability; the final great advantage is that they can be produced from bio-waste. Because of these properties, BSs are now widely used in biotechnology products for industrial and medical purposes. Bio-surfactants have proven to be excellent household goods as emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, wetting and foaming agents, edible food ingredients, and detergents. BSs are also used in petrochemical industries, waste water treatment, soil treatment, and agro-industries. Bio-surfactants have recently emerged as the best choice for cosmetic and personal care products.
This Research Topic will shed light into the most recent developments in the production of Bio-Surfactants with a strong focus on Bio-Processes Design, Modelling and different products applications. Original Research, Review and Perspective papers covering the following themes will be welcomed:
- Biochemical and molecular mechanisms for BSs production
- Structure and mechanisms of Bio-Surfactants
- Studies on genetics for the regulation of BSs production
- BSs production process scale-up and applications
- Innovative bio-processes technology for BSs production
The actual context requires a transition from 'brown chemistry' to 'green chemistry.' There is indeed an increase of research focused on this endeavor, with the goal of finding less polluting, environmentally beneficial solvents and chemicals. Alternative substances with lower toxicity, biodegradability, chemical stability, eco-safety, efficient solubilization, and ease of recycling are best suited. Scientists all over the world are suggesting improved production methodologies, developing alternative green chemicals and bio-based precursors. Bio-Surfactants are one of the most important chemical products in this line of research.
Biologically derived surfactants are amphiphilic interface active agents. A variety of filamentous fungi, yeast, and bacteria produce Bio-Surfactants (BSs) extracellularly or as a component of the cell membrane. Sugar, oil waste, and vegetable oils are all potential carbohydrate sources for BSs production. Bio-surfactants outperform their chemical counterparts in terms of toxicity, environmental compatibility, and biodegradability; the final great advantage is that they can be produced from bio-waste. Because of these properties, BSs are now widely used in biotechnology products for industrial and medical purposes. Bio-surfactants have proven to be excellent household goods as emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, wetting and foaming agents, edible food ingredients, and detergents. BSs are also used in petrochemical industries, waste water treatment, soil treatment, and agro-industries. Bio-surfactants have recently emerged as the best choice for cosmetic and personal care products.
This Research Topic will shed light into the most recent developments in the production of Bio-Surfactants with a strong focus on Bio-Processes Design, Modelling and different products applications. Original Research, Review and Perspective papers covering the following themes will be welcomed:
- Biochemical and molecular mechanisms for BSs production
- Structure and mechanisms of Bio-Surfactants
- Studies on genetics for the regulation of BSs production
- BSs production process scale-up and applications
- Innovative bio-processes technology for BSs production
Keywords: Emulsifiers, Biodegradable Surfactants, Sugar-waste, oil-waste, amphiphilic secondary metabolites, Bioprocesses, Bio-surfactants, Agro-industrial waste, Sustainability
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
