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Review
. 2023 Nov 30;33(2):245-273.
doi: 10.1007/s10068-023-01435-6. eCollection 2024 Jan.

An insight into the utilization of microbial biosurfactants pertaining to their industrial applications in the food sector

Swethaa Venkataraman  1 , Devi Sri Rajendran  1 , Vinoth Kumar Vaidyanathan  1
Affiliations
Review

An insight into the utilization of microbial biosurfactants pertaining to their industrial applications in the food sector

Swethaa Venkataraman et al. Food Sci Biotechnol. .

Abstract

Microbial biosurfactants surpass synthetic alternatives due to their biodegradability, minimal toxicity, selective properties, and efficacy across a wide range of environmental conditions. Owing to their remarkable advantages, biosurfactants employability as effective emulsifiers and stabilizers, antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes, rendering them for integration into food preservation, processing, formulations, and packaging. The biosurfactants can also be derived from various types of food wastes. Biosurfactants are harnessed across multiple sectors within the food industry, ranging from condiments (mayonnaise) to baked goods (bread, muffins, loaves, cookies, and dough), and extending into the dairy industry (cheese, yogurt, and fermented milk). Additionally, their impact reaches the beverage industry, poultry feed, seafood products like tuna, as well as meat processing and instant foods, collectively redefining each sector's landscape. This review thoroughly explores the multifaceted utilization of biosurfactants within the food industry as emulsifiers, antimicrobial, antiadhesive, antibiofilm agents, shelf-life enhancers, texture modifiers, and foaming agents.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Biosurfactant; Food sector; Low-cost substrate; Sustainability.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Various types of microbial biosurfactants and its characteristics
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Production of microbial biosurfactants by employing low-cost food processing industry waste as substrate
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Application of microbial biosurfactants in food industry
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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