Abstract

POTENTIAL BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF MICROBIAL SURFACTANTS

Bhairav Prasad, Dr. Harjot Pal Kaur* and Dr. Sukhvir Kaur

ABSTRACT

Many microorganisms are able to produce a wide range of amphipathic compounds, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties present within the same molecule which allow them to exhibit surface activities at interfaces and are generally called biosurfactants. Biosurfactants are versatile, structurally diverse group of surface-active substances produced by microorganisms and have variety of applications in the sectors including bioremediation, food industry, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Interest in biosurfactant production has markedly increased during the past decade, although large-scale production has not been possible because of low production yields and high total costs. At present, biosurfactants have gained importance in environmental applications, while new applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic and food industry, with a high added value, are still developing. Recently, the potential applications of biosurfactants in the biomedical field have increased. Their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities make them relevant molecules for applications in combating many diseases and as therapeutic agents. In addition, their role as anti-adhesive agents against several pathogens indicates their utility as suitable anti-adhesive coating agents for medical insertional materials leading to a reduction in a large number of hospital infections without the use of synthetic drugs and chemicals. This article emphasizes the medicinal and therapeutic perspective of biosurfactants. With these specialized and cost-effective applications, biosurfactants can be considered as an interesting option for the near future.

Keywords: Antiadhesive, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Biosurfactant, Gene transfection, Immunoadjuvants.