An Overview of the Biosurfactants Enhanced Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons

The alarming rate of oil spills is escalating by each passing day. Oil spills have affected humans, marine animals and birds. These spills expand in the mean time and become an alarming threat for various lives present surrounding that particular ecosystem. The contamination causes skin irritation, respiratory disorders, and hereditary diseases in case of humans whereas the oil coats the feathers of the birds and causes distorting issues in flying. The reproduction and nesting time of these birds also get affected. Similarly, the delicate relationships of marine organisms get disrupted and the food get contaminated. Biosurfactants are the surface active biomolecules present in microorganisms. In recent years, biosurfactants have earned a great attention as they holds the potential of emulsifying and biodegrade the crude oil. This study aims to address the types, properties, mechanism of action and production of biosurfactants from microorganisms.