Biosurfactants from Lactic Acid Bacteria

Despite an availability of enormous literature on BS/BE production from varied microorganisms, limited number of reports discloses LAB originated BS. Each habitat provides a unique environment to construct particular metabolic machinery in flora and fauna. BS/BE produced by LAB do exhibit unique structural and functional diversity. High as well as low molecular weight BS/BE are produced by LAB, thus making available a large number of potent BS producing microorganisms. A concentration of BS ranging between 1 to 130 mg/ml is generally recommended for antimicrobial activities. Nevertheless, concentration between 20–25 mg/ml is used more frequently. BS reduces SFT ranging between 30–55 mN/m and cmc values ranging between 1 μg/ml to 20 mg/ml. LAB are used in food related applications. LAB derived BS are used in antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiadhesive activities. With the help of innovative approaches, newer BS based formulations can be designed. Therefore, we need to widen our screening methodologies and improve further purification techniques to accomplish better qualities of surface active molecules and we need to overcome the challenges facing the exploration of innovative approaches in designing and development of novel BS based formulations.