Biosurfactants can successfully replace and augment the properties of chemically synthesized surface-active agents. This book contains specialty chapters dealing with methods for production of biosurfactants on a laboratory and industrial/commercial scale. It presents novel and proven applications of biosurfactants. The new edition is aimed at actual production and applications of biosurfactants in modern biotechnology, reflecting the advances made since the publication of the first edition. A special chapter is devoted to the overview and evaluation of specific selected patents relating to biosurfactants.

Section I Production. Types and Classification of Microbial Surfactants. Sophorolipids: Microbial Synthesis and Application. Biosurfactants versus Chemically Synthesized Surface-Active Agents. Biosurfactants Produced by Genetically Manipulated Microorganisms: Challenges and Opportunities. Production of Biosurfactants from Nonpathogenic Bacteria. The Prospects for the Production of Rhamnolipids on Renewable Resources: Evaluation of Novel Feedstocks and Perspectives of Strain Engineering. Utilization of Palm Sludge for Biosurfactant Production. Bioreactors for the Production of Biosurfactants. Purification of Biosurfactants. Cost Analysis of Biosurfactant Production from a Scientist's Perspective. Section II Applications. Patents on Biosurfactants and Future Trends. Industrial Applications of Biosurfactants. Biological Applications of Biosurfactants and Strategies to Potentiate Commercial Production. Perspectives on Using Biosurfactants in Food Industry. Biosurfactant Applications in Agriculture. Biosurfactants and Soil Bioremediation. Biosurfactant Use in Heavy Metal Removal from Industrial Effluents and Contaminated Sites. Index.