Biosurfactants in food industry

Unlocking the potential of biosurfactants: Production, applications, market challenges, and opportunities for agro-industrial waste valorization

Biosurfactants are eco-friendly compounds with unique properties and promising potential as sustainable alternatives to chemical surfactants. The current review explores the multifaceted nature of biosurfactant production and applications, highlighting key fermentative parameters and microorganisms able to convert carbon-containing sources into biosurfactants. A spotlight is given on biosurfactants' obstacles in the global market, focusing on production costs and the challenges of large-scale synthesis. Innovative approaches to valorizing agro-industrial waste were discussed, documenting the utilization of lignocellulosic waste, food waste, oily waste, and agro-industrial wastewater in the segment. This strategy strongly contributes to large-scale, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biosurfactant production, while the recent advances in waste valorization pave the way for a sustainable society.

Microbial biosurfactants: Multifarious applications in sustainable agriculture

Agriculture in the 21st century faces grave challenges to meet the unprecedented food demand of the burgeoning population as well as reduce the ecological footprint for achieving sustainable development goals. The extensive use of harsh synthetic surfactants in pesticides and the agrochemical industry has substantial adverse impacts on the soil and environment due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature. Biosurfactants derived from plant, animal, and microbial sources can be an eco-friendly alternative to chemical surfactants. Microbes producing biosurfactants play a noteworthy role in biofilm formation, plant pathogen elimination, biodegradation, bioremediation, improving nutrient bioavailability, and can thrive well under stressful environments. Microbial biosurfactants are well suited for heavy metal and organic contaminants remediation in agricultural soil due to their low toxicity, high activity at fluctuating temperatures, biodegradability, and stability over a wide array of environmental conditions. This green technology will improve the agricultural soil quality by increasing the soil flushing efficiency, mobilization, and solubilization of nutrients by forming metal-biosurfactant complexes, and through the dissemination of complex nutrients. Such characteristics help it to play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability in the foreseeable future, which is required to increase the viability of biosurfactants for extensive commercial uses, making them accessible, affordable, and economically sustainable.

Rubropunctatin-silver composite nanoliposomes for eradicating Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in vivo

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, and its infection rate is rising globally. The efficacy of traditional antibiotic treatment is less effective, mainly due to bacterial biofilms and the formation of antibiotic resistance. In addition, H. pylori colonizes the gastrointestinal epithelium covered by mucus layers, the drug must penetrate the double barrier of mucus layer and biofilm to reach the infection site and kill H. pylori. The ethanol injection method was used to synthesize nanoliposomes (EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC) with a mixed lipid layer containing rhamnolipids (RHL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) as a carrier, loaded with the urease inhibitor epiberberine (EPI) and the antimicrobial agent rubropunctatin silver nanoparticles (R-AgNPs). EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC had the appropriate size, negative charge, and acid sensitivity to penetrate mucin-rich mucus layers and achieve acid-responsive drug release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC exhibited good antibacterial activity, effectively inhibited urease activity, removed the mature H. pylori biofilm, and inhibited biofilm regeneration. In vivo antibacterial tests showed that EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC exhibited excellent activity in eradicating H. pylori and protecting the mucosa compared to the traditional clinical triple therapy, providing a new idea for the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Rhamnolipids: A biosurfactant for the development of lipid-based nanosystems for food applications

Biosurfactants (surfactants synthesized by microorganisms) are produced by microorganisms and are suitable for use in different areas. Among biosurfactants, rhamnolipids are the most studied and popular, attracting scientists, and industries' interest. Due to their unique characteristics, the rhamnolipids have been used as synthetic surfactants' alternatives and explored in food applications. Besides the production challenges that need to be tackled to guarantee efficient production and low cost, their properties need to be adjusted to the final application, where the pH instability needs to be considered. Moreover, regulatory approval is needed to start being used in commercial applications. One characteristic of interest is their capacity to form oil-in-water nanosystems. Some of the most explored have been nanoemulsions, solid-lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. This review presents an overview of the main properties of rhamnolipids, asserts the potential and efficiency of rhamnolipids to replace the synthetic surfactants in the development of nanosystems, and describes the rhamnolipids-based nanosystems used in food applications. It also discusses the main characteristics and methodologies used for their characterization and in the end, some of the main challenges are highlighted.

Exploring the diverse applications of Carbohydrate macromolecules in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental technologies

Carbohydrates are a class of macromolecules that has significant potential across several domains, including the organisation of genetic material, provision of structural support, and facilitation of defence mechanisms against invasion. Their molecular diversity enables a vast array of essential functions, such as energy storage, immunological signalling, and the modification of food texture and consistency. Due to their rheological characteristics, solubility, sweetness, hygroscopicity, ability to prevent crystallization, flavour encapsulation, and coating capabilities, carbohydrates are useful in food products. Carbohydrates hold potential for the future of therapeutic development due to their important role in sustained drug release, drug targeting, immune antigens, and adjuvants. Bio-based packaging provides an emerging phase of materials that offer biodegradability and biocompatibility, serving as a substitute for traditional non-biodegradable polymers used as coatings on paper. Blending polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with carbohydrate biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, polylactic acid, etc., reduces the undesirable qualities of PHA, such as crystallinity and brittleness, and enhances the PHA's properties in addition to minimizing manufacturing costs. Carbohydrate-based biopolymeric nanoparticles are a viable and cost-effective way to boost agricultural yields, which is crucial for the increasing global population. The use of biopolymeric nanoparticles derived from carbohydrates is a potential and economically viable approach to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural harvests, which is of utmost importance given the developing global population. The carbohydrate biopolymers may play in plant protection against pathogenic fungi by inhibiting spore germination and mycelial growth, may act as effective elicitors inducing the plant immune system to cope with pathogens. Furthermore, they can be utilised as carriers in controlled-release formulations of agrochemicals or other active ingredients, offering an alternative approach to conventional fungicides. It is expected that this review provides an extensive summary of the application of carbohydrates in the realms of food, pharmaceuticals, and environment.

Microbial pigments: Sources, current status, future challenges in cosmetics and therapeutic applications

Color serves as the initial attraction and offers a pleasing aspect. While synthetic colorants have been popular for many years, their adverse environmental and health effects cannot be overlooked. This necessitates the search for natural colorants, especially microbial colorants, which have proven and more effective. Pigment-producing microorganisms offer substantial benefits. Natural colors improve product marketability and bestow additional benefits, including antioxidant, antiaging, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. This review covers the various types of microbial pigments, the methods to enhance their production, and their cosmetic and therapeutic applications. We also address the challenges faced during the commercial production of microbial pigments and propose potential solutions.

Pomelo peel derived nanocellulose as Pickering stabilizers: Fabrication of Pickering emulsions and their potential as sustained-release delivery systems for lycopene

Two kinds of nanocellulose (cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were synthesized from pomelo peels via a facile approach of TEMPO oxidation and sulfuric acid treatment respectively. The FTIR results illustrated that hemicelluloses and lignin were completely removed from the pomelo peel cellulose substrate. The obtained CNFs and CNCs possessed a uniform morphology and nanoscale particle size. The stability of CNF-based Pickering emulsions was higher than that of emulsions stabilized with CNCs, due to the formation of gel structure induced by the CNFs' longer fibrils. Increased oil fractions enhanced the viscoelasticity of CNF-based Pickering emulsions. The in vitro digestion results suggested that increased oil fractions decreased the lipolysis degree, as a result of the larger droplet size and higher viscoelasticity of emulsion. The release of lycopene showed a trend similar to that of FFA release, suggesting that higher oil fractions were beneficial for controlling lycopene release during gastrointestinal digestion.

Effective utilization of wheat gluten by lipopeptide biosurfactant in the formulation of cookies

BACKGROUND

Gluten-free food products are in demand due to the gluten sensitivity of individuals around the globe. Lipopeptide biosurfactants are widely used in food formulations for wetting, foaming, emulsion stabilization, anti-adhesive and anti-microbial properties. Lipopeptide biosurfactants can be used for gluten utilization and the formulation of food products.

RESULTS

The strain Bacillus licheniformis MS48 was isolated from the marine sponge associated bacteria and found to be the ideal biosurfactant producer with an emulsification activity of 70%. Biosurfactant production was optimized using lactose, yeast extract, and sodium chloride (NaCl). The 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was found to increase with an increase in the concentration of biosurfactant. The conformation changes in the gluten  due to the treatment of lipopeptide biosurfactant was identified by thiol quantification and scanning electron microscopy. With the addition of lipopeptide MS48 to cookie dough, cookies with softer and smooth textures were developed. The conformation changes in the gluten   in the lipopeptide incorporated  cookie dough was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The lipopeptide biosurfactant incorporation in cookie dough causes appropriate changes in the structural network of gluten. The lipopeptide-incorporated cookies had improved the spread factor and texture.

CONCLUSION

Lipopeptide biosurfactant with effective radical scavenging activity aided in the utilization of gluten. Incorporating lipopeptide in cookie dough assisted in the production of cookies with improved textural and sensory properties. This study is a novel approach to the application of lipopeptide biosurfactant in gluten utilization for the development of cookies. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improving Rhamnolipids Biosynthesis in Pseudomonas sp. L01 through Atmospheric and Room-Temperature Plasma (ARTP) Mutagenesis

Biosurfactants have significant applications in various industries, including microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). While the state-of-the-art genetic approaches can generate high-yield strains for biosurfactant production in fermenters, there remains a critical challenge in enhancing biosurfactant-producing strains for use in natural environments with minimal ecological risks. The objectives of this work are enhancing the strain's capacity for rhamnolipids production and exploring the genetic mechanisms for its improvement. In this study, we employed atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis to enhance the biosynthesis of rhamnolipids in Pseudomonas sp. L01, a biosurfactant-producing strain isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil. Following ARTP treatment, we identified 13 high-yield mutants, with the highest yield of 3.45 ± 0.09 g/L, representing a 2.7-fold increase compared to the parent strain. To determine the genetic mechanisms behind the enhanced rhamnolipids biosynthesis, we sequenced the genomes of the strain L01 and five high-yield mutants. A comparative genomic analysis suggested that mutations in genes related to the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the transport of rhamnolipids may contribute to the improved biosynthesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of utilizing the ARTP approach to improve rhamnolipid production in Pseudomonas strains. Our study provides valuable insights into the enhancement of biosurfactant-producing strains and the regulatory mechanisms of rhamnolipids biosynthesis.

Biosurfactants: Forthcomings and Regulatory Affairs in Food-Based Industries

The terms discussed in this review-biosurfactants (BSs) and bioemulsifiers (BEs)-describe surface-active molecules of microbial origin which are popular chemical entities for many industries, including food. BSs are generally low-molecular-weight compounds with the ability to reduce surface tension noticeably, whereas BEs are high-molecular-weight molecules with efficient emulsifying abilities. Some other biomolecules, such as lecithin and egg yolk, are useful as natural BEs in food products. The high toxicity and severe ecological impact of many chemical-based surfactants have directed interest towards BSs/BEs. Interest in food surfactant formulations and consumer anticipation of "green label" additives over synthetic or chemical-based surfactants have been steadily increasing. BSs have an undeniable prospective for replacing chemical surfactants with vast significance to food formulations. However, the commercialization of BSs/BEs production has often been limited by several challenges, such as the optimization of fermentation parameters, high downstream costs, and low yields, which had an immense impact on their broader adoptions in different industries, including food. The foremost restriction regarding the access of BSs/BEs is not their lack of cost-effective industrial production methods, but a reluctance regarding their potential safety, as well as the probable microbial hazards that may be associated with them. Most research on BSs/BEs in food production has been restricted to demonstrations and lacks a comprehensive assessment of safety and risk analysis, which has limited their adoption for varied food-related applications. Furthermore, regulatory agencies require extensive exploration and analysis to secure endorsements for the inclusion of BSs/BEs as potential food additives. This review emphasizes the promising properties of BSs/BEs, trailed by an overview of their current use in food formulations, as well as risk and toxicity assessment. Finally, we assess their potential challenges and upcoming future in substituting chemical-based surfactants.

Sophorolipids: A comprehensive review on properties and applications

Sophorolipids are surface-active glycolipids produced by several non-pathogenic yeast species and are widely used as biosurfactants in several industrial applications. Sophorolipids provide a plethora of benefits over chemically synthesized surfactants for certain applications like bioremediation, oil recovery, and pharmaceuticals. They are, for instance less toxic, more benign and environment friendly in nature, biodegradable, freely adsorb to different surfaces, self-assembly in hydrated solutions, robustness for industrial applications etc. These miraculous properties result in valuable physicochemical attributes such as low critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), reduced interfacial surface tension, and capacity to dissolve non-polar components. Moreover, they exhibit a diverse range of physicochemical, functional, and biological attributes due to their unique molecular composition and structure. In this article, we highlight the physico-chemical properties of sophorolipids, how these properties are exploited by the human community for extensive benefits and the conditions which lead to their unique tailor-made structures and how they entail their interfacial behavior. Besides, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of these sophorolipids. We also review their physiological and functional attributes, along with their potential commercial applications, in real-world scenario. Biosurfactants are compared to their man-made equivalents to show the variations in structure-property correlations and possible benefits. Those attempting to manufacture purported natural or green surfactant with innovative and valuable qualities can benefit from an understanding of biosurfactant features structured along the same principles. The uniqueness of this review article is the detailed physico-chemical study of the sophorolipid biosurfactant and how these properties helps in their usage and detailed explicit study of their applications in the current scenario and also covering their pros and cons.

Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus emulsions when combined with mannosylerythritol a lipid biosurfactant

Essential oils (EOs) are natural and effective agents for controlling microorganisms which cause biodeterioration and disease. However, their application is hampered/restricted due to hydrophobicity and rapid vaporization of these compounds. Encapsulation technology provides an effective approach to maintain EO stabilization and prevent the loss of volatile ingredients. Meanwhile, using a synthetic surfactant is seen as counter-productive; therefore, a natural biosurfactant is more reasonable and can potentially increase activity due to its other biological proprieties. This work aims to evaluate the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactant combined with Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus essential oil emulsions (O/W) and evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity. The biosurfactant MEL demonstrated activity against Bacillus subtilis and Penicillium sp. After emulsification, the antimicrobial activity of Thymus vulgaris and Lippia sidoides was increased against Escherichia coli (500 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (600 µg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (120 µg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1500 µg/mL), Penicillium sp. (62.25 µg/mL), Aspergillus flavus (250 µg/mL), Fusarium oxysporum (100 and 250 µg/mL), and Candida albicans (125 and 250 µg/mL). We report that emulsions prepared with MEL have high inhibitory activity, maintain the active concentration, and increase antioxidant capacity by 7.33% (Thymus vulgaris), 13.71% (Lippia sidoides), and 3.15% (Cymbopogon citratus).

Prediction of Micellar Thermodynamics of Nonionic Surfactants Based on the Square Gradient Theory

A geometry-dependent contribution based on the square gradient theory of van der Waals is proposed as a predictive modification of the interfacial energy contribution for the micellar thermodynamic theory. The model has an analytic prediction for the spherical and cylindrical geometries. For ellipsoidal geometry, a simple yet physically meaningful approximation is proposed. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the surface tension isotherm under the new contribution are compared with the classical theory. The modified model describes qualitatively the available experimental data and the surface isotherm, showing an improvement in the predictions of the CMC.

Biosurfactants in the sustainable eradication of SARS COV-2 from the environmental surfaces

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the world, at least, to one consensus that cleanliness is unavoidable under all circumstances. Hands are the main body part to interact with the environment and thus are prone to receive, initiate and propagate the chain of infection. Hand hygiene has, therefore, been most emphasized by experts to interrupt the spread of infection. Various harsh chemicals like synthetic surfactants and alcoholic preparations have been in practice to eradicate and disinfect the germs. This choice may be unsafe and cause a subsequent chain of adversities. Thereby, biosurfactants have been proposed as sustainable, non-toxic and safe surface cleaners cum disinfectants under a wide range of physiological and environmental conditions. The amphiphilic micellar behavior of biosurfactants makes them promising candidates as hygienic surface cleaners and therapeutic carriers. We overview the possibilities of using biosurfactants in different ways against microbial pathogens, in general, and the SARS COV-2, in specific.

Guava Seed Oil: Potential Waste for the Rhamnolipids Production

Guava is consumed in natura and is also of considerable importance to the food industry. The seeds and peel of this fruit are discarded, however, guava seeds yield oil (~13%) that can be used for the bioproducts synthesis. The use of a by-product as a carbon source is advantageous, as it reduces the environmental impact of possible harmful materials to nature, while adding value to products. In addition, the use of untested substrates can bring new yield and characterization results. Thus, this research sought to study rhamnolipids (RLs) production from guava seed oil, a by-product of the fructorefinery. The experiments were carried out using Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI 2A1 and experimental design was used to optimize the variables Carbon and Nitrogen concentration. Characterization of RLs produced occurred by LC-MS. In this study, variables in the quadratic forms and the interaction between them influenced the response (p < 0.05). The most significant variable was N concentration. Maximum RLs yield achieved 39.97 g/L, predominantly of mono-RL. Characterization analysis revealed 9 homologues including the presence of RhaC10C14:2 (m/z 555) whose structure has not previously been observed. This research showed that guava seed oil is an alternative potential carbon source for rhamnolipid production with rare rhamnolipid homologues.

Wetting Properties of Rhamnolipid and Surfactin Mixtures with Triton X-165

The wetting properties of the rhamnolipid and surfactin mixtures with Triton X-165 were considered based on the contact angle measurements of their aqueous solution on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and quartz (Q) surfaces. The obtained contact angle isotherms were described by the exponential function of the second order as well as by Szyszkowski equation in some cases. Using the contact angle isotherms of individual biosurfactants and TX165 as well as the earlier obtained isotherms of their surface tension the contact angle isotherms of the biosurfactants mixtures with TX165 were deduced. As follows the presence of the maxima on the contact angle isotherms of the biosurfactants mixtures with TX165 is justified. They do not prove negative adsorption of the biosurfactant and TX165 at the interfaces. However, the mutual exchange of the biosurfactant and TX165 molecules is observed in the layers at the interfaces. The concentration of the studied mixtures at the PTFE-solution interface was established to be close to that at the solution-air one but that at the PTFE-air is equal to zero. However, the concentration of the studied mixtures at the PMMA-solution and quartz-solution is greater than zero. The concentration at the PMMA(quartz)-air and PMMA(quartz)-solution interfaces is smaller than that at the solution-air one.

Perspectives on the microorganism of extreme environments and their applications

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The applications of extremophiles in various fields like biotechnology, biodegradation, bioremediation, biorefinery and astrobiology along with other industries like pharmaceuticals, food, agricultural, cosmetics, and textile.

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Further research in biodegradation, bioremediation and generation of biofuels using extremophiles is required considering the current climate crisis as it helps in reduction of environmental contamination load.

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The importance of promoting the use of extremophiles in food and agricultural industries and how extremophiles can be the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of global food security.

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Keeping in mind the current global scenario with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, our paper also focuses on the importance of by-products of extremophiles like biosurfactants in the vaccine production process.

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For advancement of the astrobiology sector, more PFA sites should be located and the extremophiles inhabiting them should be studied.

Extremophiles are organisms that can survive and thrive in conditions termed as “extreme” by human beings. Conventional methods cannot be applied under extreme conditions like temperature and pH fluctuations, high salinity, etc. for a variety of reasons. Extremophiles can function and are adapted to thrive in these environments and are sustainable, cheaper, and efficient, therefore, they serve as better alternatives to the traditional methods. They adapt to these environments with biochemical and physiological changes and produce products like extremolytes, extremozymes, biosurfactants, etc., which are found to be useful in a wide range of industries like sustainable agriculture, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These products also play a crucial role in bioremediation, production of biofuels, biorefinery, and astrobiology. This review paper comprehensively lists out the current applications of extremophiles and their products in various industries and explores the prospects of the same. They help us understand the underlying basis of biological mechanisms exploring the boundaries of life and thus help us understand the origin and evolution of life on Earth. This helps us in the research for extra-terrestrial life and space exploration. The structure and biochemical properties of extremophiles along with any possible long-term effects of their applications need to be investigated further.

Recent Strategies to Combat Biofilms Using Antimicrobial Agents and Therapeutic Approaches

Biofilms are intricate bacterial assemblages that attach to diverse surfaces using an extracellular polymeric substance that protects them from the host immune system and conventional antibiotics. Biofilms cause chronic infections that result in millions of deaths around the world every year. Since the antibiotic tolerance mechanism in biofilm is different than that of the planktonic cells due to its multicellular structure, the currently available antibiotics are inadequate to treat biofilm-associated infections which have led to an immense need to find newer treatment options. Over the years, various novel antibiofilm compounds able to fight biofilms have been discovered. In this review, we have focused on the recent and intensively researched therapeutic techniques and antibiofilm agents used for biofilm treatment and grouped them according to their type and mode of action. We also discuss some therapeutic approaches that have the potential for future advancement.

Characteristic properties of spray-drying Bifidobacterium adolescentis microcapsules with biosurfactant

The surfactants used for emulsion is one of the best techniques for microencapsulation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) since it is economical. The biosurfactants have many advantages such as lower toxicity, higher biodegradability. In this study, microcapsules were prepared via spray drying using Bifidobacterium adolescentis species cultured in soy milk extract with biosurfactant prepared using Alcaligenes piechaudii CC-ESB2 to improve their powder properties. The soy milk was used to increase the health benefits instead of the milk. The optimum bacterial strain viability, water activity, and moisture content of the microcapsules were achieved at a spray dryer inlet/outlet temperature of 120/60°C. The composition of the carrier affects the particle size of the microcapsules. Using 90% maltodextrin (MD), 5% isomalto-oligosaccharide syrup (IMOS) and 5% biosurfactant as a carrier increased the viability of the LAB. Scanning electron microscope observations showed that the LAB microcapsules were able to effectively retain their completeness. Furthermore, microcapsules added with a biosurfactant prepared using A. piechaudii CC-ESB2 displayed significantly better flow properties than those without the surfactant and biosurfactant, which indicates that the biosurfactant assists in enhancing the powder properties of the microcapsules. It also has sufficient biological activity as a LAB product because the probiotics exceed 10⁶ CFU/mL The spray-dried abandoned supernatant with biosurfactant exhibited superior bacteriostasis, which suggests that the supernatant of B. adolescentis during microencapsulation not only retains its bacteriostatic effect under high spray drying temperatures, but also provides additional antibacterial effects for the microcapsules.

Preparation of Water-dispersible Janus Nanosheets from K4Nb6O17·3H2O and Their Behaviour as a Two-dimensional Surfactant on Air-Water and Water-Toluene Interfaces

K4Nb6O17·3H2O-based Janus nanosheets with water dispersibility and surface activity were prepared via sequential regioselective surface modification. To provide individual Janus nanosheets with these two properties, phenylphosphonic acid and phosphoric acid...

Antiviral Activity of the Rhamnolipids Mixture from the Antarctic Bacterium Pseudomonas gessardii M15 against Herpes Simplex Viruses and Coronaviruses

Emerging and re-emerging viruses represent a serious threat to human health at a global level. In particular, enveloped viruses are one of the main causes of viral outbreaks, as recently demonstrated by SARS-CoV-2. An effective strategy to counteract these viruses could be to target the envelope by using surface-active compounds. Rhamnolipids (RLs) are microbial biosurfactants displaying a wide range of bioactivities, such as antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm, among others. Being of microbial origin, they are environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, and less toxic than synthetic surfactants. In this work, we explored the antiviral activity of the rhamnolipids mixture (M15RL) produced by the Antarctic bacteria Pseudomonas gessardii M15 against viruses belonging to Coronaviridae and Herpesviridae families. In addition, we investigated the rhamnolipids’ mode of action and the possibility of inactivating viruses on treated surfaces. Our results show complete inactivation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 by M15RLs at 6 µg/mL, and of HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 at 25 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Concerning activity against HCoV-OC43, 80% inhibition of cytopathic effect was recorded, while no activity against naked Poliovirus Type 1 (PV-1) was detectable, suggesting that the antiviral action is mainly directed towards the envelope. In conclusion, we report a significant activity of M15RL against enveloped viruses and demonstrated for the first time the antiviral effect of rhamnolipids against SARS-CoV-2.

Characterization and cytotoxicity assessment of biosurfactant derived from Lactobacillus pentosus NCIM 2912

Noteworthy properties of biosurfactant (BS) are fascinating scientific fraternity to explore them for food, medicinal, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical etc. applications. Newer products intended for pharmaceutical purposes are mandatory to go through pragmatic evaluation protocols. BS, being less cytotoxic, offers an ideal candidature for widespread applications in the healthcare sector. The goal of the current study was the isolation, physico-chemical characterization, and safety assessment of cell-associated biosurfactant (CABS) from Lactobacillus pentosus NCIM 2912. The culture was grown in a 3-L fermentor to produce CABS from the cell pellets through procedures like centrifugation, filtration, dialysis, column chromatography, and freeze-drying. Further, physical properties like surface tension (ST), critical micelle concentration (CMC), contact angle (CA), emulsification activity, stability of emulsion (height of emulsion, the extent of coalescence, and appearance), and ionic character of CABS were evaluated. Analytical characterization through TLC, FTIR, NMR, and GC-MS was carried out. The physico-chemical characterization revealed CABS as an anionic, multicomponent glycolipopeptide having a hydrophobic chain comprising butanoic acid (C4), decanoic acid (C10), undecanoic acid (C11), tridecanoic acid (C13), hexadecenoic acid (C16), and octadecanoic acid (C18). The oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions formed by CABS with various oils (olive, sesame, soybean, coconut) were stabilized up to the 7th day of storage and were analogous with polysorbate 80 (emulsifier/defoamer used in food industries). The O/W emulsions are quite stable at room temperature with no evidence of coalescence of droplets around 1 week. The cytotoxicity of CABS was evaluated through MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Cytotoxicity study performed on the human embryonic kidney (HEK 293), mouse fibroblast ATCC L929 and human epithelial type (HEP-2) cell lines recorded viability of 90.3 ± 0.1%, 99.2 ± 0.43, and 94.3 ± 0.2% respectively. The toxicity of the BS was comparable to that of the commercially used rhamnolipid sample. Thus, CABS derived from L. pentosus NCIM 2912 pose promising applications in the pharmaceutical, food industries acquiescently. The multifunctional potential of the incredibly versatile microbial product like BS from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) certainly contributes to wider avenues for varied industries.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies of Iturin-Like and Bogorol-Like Lipopeptides From Brevibacillus spp. Strains GI9 and SKDU10

Accession numbers for whole-genome sequence of Brevibacillus sp. strain GI9 and SKDU10 are CAGD01000001 to CAGD01000061 and LSSO00000000, respectively. Members of the genus Brevibacillus have been demonstrated to produce a variety of bioactive compounds including polyketides, lipopeptides and bacteriocins. Lipopeptides are non-ribosomally synthesized surface-active compounds with antimicrobial, antitumor, and immune-stimulatory activities. They usually exhibit strong antifungal and antibacterial activities and are considered as promising compounds in controlling fungal diseases. In this study, we have characterized two lipopeptides from Brevibacillus sp. strains GI9 and SKDU10. The corresponding lipopeptides were purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Mass analysis and characterization by MALDI-TOF-MS (Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) analysis revealed production of an iturin-like lipopeptide by strain GI9 and bogorol-like lipopeptide by strain SKDU10. Both lipopeptides exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity and inhibited the growth of various fungi. They showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 90 and 300 μg/ml against indicator strains of bacteria and drug-resistant Candida indicator strains. The lipopeptides did not show phytotoxic effect in seed germination experiments but caused hemolysis. Further, both lipopeptides inhibited the growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables in in vitro experiments, thereby exhibited potential use in biotechnological industry as effective biocontrol agents.

Modeling the time course of ComX: towards molecular process control for Bacillus wild-type cultivations

Wild-type cultivations are of invaluable relevance for industrial biotechnology when it comes to the agricultural or food sector. Here, genetic engineering is hardly applicable due to legal barriers and consumer’s demand for GMO-free products. An important pillar for wild-type cultivations displays the genus Bacillus. One of the challenges for Bacillus cultivations is the global ComX-dependent quorum sensing system. Here, molecular process control can serve as a tool to optimize the production process without genetic engineering. To realize this approach, quantitative knowledge of the mechanism is essential, which, however, is often available only to a limited extent. The presented work provides a case study based on the production of cyclic lipopeptide surfactin, whose expression is in dependence of ComX, using natural producer B. subtilis DSM 10 ^T. First, a surfactin reference process with 40 g/L of glucose was performed as batch fermentation in a pilot scale bioreactor system to gain novel insights into kinetic behavior of ComX in relation to surfactin production. Interestingly, the specific surfactin productivity did not increase linearly with ComX activity. The data were then used to derive a mathematic model for the time course of ComX in dependence of existing biomass, biomass growth as well as a putative ComX-specific protease. The newly adapted model was validated and transferred to other batch fermentations, employing 20 and 60 g/L glucose. The applied approach can serve as a model system for molecular process control strategies, which can thus be extended to other quorum sensing dependent wild-type cultivations.

Palmitic acid sophorolipid biosurfactant: from self-assembled fibrillar network (SAFiN) to hydrogels with fast recovery

Nanofibres are an interesting phase into which amphiphilic molecules can self-assemble. Described for a large number of synthetic lipids, they were seldom reported for natural lipids like microbial amphiphiles, known as biosurfactants. In this work, we show that the palmitic acid congener of sophorolipids (SLC16:0), one of the most studied families of biosurfactants, spontaneously forms a self-assembled fibre network (SAFiN) at pH below 6 through a pH jump process. pH-resolved in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) shows a continuous micelle-to-fibre transition, characterized by an enhanced core-shell contrast between pH 9 and pH 7 and micellar fusion into a flat membrane between pH 7 and pH 6, approximately. Below pH 6, homogeneous, infinitely long nanofibres form by peeling off the membranes. Eventually, the nanofibre network spontaneously forms a thixotropic hydrogel with fast recovery rates after applying an oscillatory strain amplitude out of the linear viscoelastic regime: after being submitted to strain amplitudes during 5 min, the hydrogel recovers about 80% and 100% of its initial elastic modulus after, respectively, 20 s and 10 min. Finally, the strength of the hydrogel depends on the medium's final pH, with an elastic modulus fivefold higher at pH 3 than at pH 6. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 1)'.

A Review on Biosurfactant Applications in the Petroleum Industry

The inadequacy of worldwide fossil fuel resources, combined with increasing energy demands, encourages global attention to either using alternative energy resources or improving the recovery factor and produce larger quantities from present reservoirs. Among all enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, surfactant injection is a well-known technique that reduces the interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water and increases oil production. Despite numerous advantages of using surfactants, there are also a few obstacles like environmental impacts, high cost, effect on humans and other organisms due to toxicological potential, and availability from nonrenewable resources. Biosurfactants are microbial surface-active agents that decrease the surface tension (ST) of a liquid phase and the IFT of two diverse phases. They are biotechnological products of high value owing to their widespread applications, low toxicity, relatively easy preparation, and specific performance, applied in different industries like organic chemicals and fertilizers, agrochemicals, metallurgy and mining, cosmetics, foods, medical and pharmaceuticals, beverages, environmental management, and petroleum and petrochemical applications in emulsifying and demulsifying wetting agents, detergent spreading and foaming agents, and functional food ingredients. Biosurfactants are synthesized by microbes; therefore, various genetic diversities of microorganisms provide the considerable capability to produce new types of biosurfactants, which can develop EOR technology. Biosurfactants are classified into ex situ and in situ MEOR processes. The genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, and Actinobacteria are the foremost biosurfactant-producing bacteria. This paper reviews relevant reports and results from various presented papers by researchers and companies on applications of microorganisms and biosurfactant technology with specific emphasis on EOR and MEOR processes, based on recently published articles since 2010 until now.

Effects of Rhamnolipids on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Cecal Microflora in Linnan Yellow Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharides

This present study aimed to investigate the effects of rhamnolipids (RLS) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune function, short-chain fatty acid content, and microflora community in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A total of 450 broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three groups: basal diet with no supplement (NCO), basal diet with bacitracin (ANT), and basal diet with rhamnolipids (RLS). After 56 d of feeding, 20 healthy broilers were selected from each group, with half being intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the other half with normal saline. Treatments with LPS were labelled LPS-NCO, LPS-ANT, and LPS-RLS, whereas treatments with normal saline were labelled NS-NCO, NS-ANT, and NS-RLS. LPS-challenged birds had lower jejunal villus height and higher crypt depth than unchallenged birds. LPS-RLS broilers had increased jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) but lower crypt depth than LPS-NCO. Dietary supplementation with RLS reduced the LPS-induced immunological stress. Compared with LPS-NCO, birds in LPS-RLS had lower concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In LPS-challenged broilers, RLS and ANT increased the concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgY compared with LPS-NCO. In LPS treatments, RLS enhanced the contents of acetic acid, butyrate, isobutyric acid, isovalerate, and valerate more than LPS-NCO birds. High-throughput sequencing indicated that RLS supplementation led to changes in the cecal microbial community of broilers. At the species level, Clostridium-sp-Marseille-p3244 was more abundant in NS-RLS than in NS-NCO broilers. In summary, RLS improved the growth performance and relative abundance of cecal microbiota and reduced the LPS-induced immunological stress in broiler chickens.

Optimized pulsed electric field-assisted extraction of biosurfactants from Chubak (Acanthophyllum squarrosum) root and application in ice cream

BACKGROUND

In this study, a face-centered central composite design was applied to optimize pulsed electric field parameters (voltage: 1, 4, 7 kV cm^-1 ; pulse number: 10, 65, 120) for the extraction of natural saponins from Chubak root. Data analysis showed that increasing the voltage from 1 to 4 kV cm^-1 and pulse number from 10 to 65 increased foaming ability (FA) and emulsion stability, and decreased foam density (FD), foam stability (FS) and lightness, due to the improved extraction of saponins.

RESULTS

Whereas, an opposite trend was observed for FA, FD and FS on increasing the voltage from 4 to 7 kV cm^-1 as a result of more impurities being extracted. Furthermore, the Chubak root extract (CRE) (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g kg^-1 ) obtained under the optimized conditions (voltage of 6.4 kV cm^-1 and pulse number of 80) was used in ice cream formulation because of its ability to reduce surface tension. Based on the results, the samples containing higher amounts of CRE showed higher viscosity, consistency coefficient, overrun, melting resistance and creaminess, as well as lower values of flow behavior index, hardness, adhesiveness, coarseness and coldness. This could be related to the increased water retention, improved whipping ability, greater fat destabilization and smaller ice crystals. Although more bitterness was perceived as a result of an increase in the level of CRE, it had no negative effect on the overall acceptance assessed by trained sensory panelists.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study briefly support the conclusion that CRE has a very high potential for use as a foaming, emulsifying and stabilizing agent to improve the quality of ice cream. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microbial surfactants in nanotechnology: recent trends and applications

The interest in nano-sized materials to develop novel products has increased exponentially in the last decade, together with the search for green methods for their synthesis. An alternative to contribute to a more sustainable approach is the use of microbial-derived molecules to assist nanomaterial synthesis. In this sense, biosurfactants (BSs) have emerged as eco-friendly substitutes in nano-sized materials preparation. The inherent amphiphilic and self-assembly character of BSs associated with their low eco-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, structural diversity, biological activity, and production from renewable resources are potential advantages over chemically-derived surfactants. In nanotechnology, these versatile molecules play multiple roles. In nanoparticle (NP) synthesis, they act as capping and reducing agents and they also provide self-assembly structures to encapsulation, functionalization, or templates and act as emulsifiers in nanoemulsions. Moreover, BSs can also play as active compounds owing to their intrinsic biological properties. This review presents the recent trends in the development of BS-based nanostructures and their biomedical and environmental applications. Fundamental aspects regarding their antimicrobial and anticancer activities are also discussed.

Influence of the Medium Composition and the Culture Conditions on Surfactin Biosynthesis by a Native Bacillus subtilis natto BS19 Strain

An effective microbial synthesis of surfactin depends on the composition of the culture medium, the culture conditions and the genetic potential of the producer strain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of various medium components for the surfactin producing strain and to determine the impact of the culture conditions on the biosynthesis of surfactin isoforms by the newly isolated native strain Bacillus subtilis natto BS19. The efficiency of surfactin biosynthesis was determined by measuring the surface tension of the medium before and after submerged culture (SmF) and by qualitative and quantitative analysis of the obtained compound by high performance liquid chromatography. The highest efficiency of surfactin biosynthesis was achieved using starch as the carbon source and yeast extract as the nitrogen source at pH 7.0 and 37 °C. Potato peelings were selected as an effective waste substrate. It was shown that the increase in the percentage of peel extract in the culture medium enhanced the biosynthesis of surfactin (mg/L) (2-30.9%; 4-46.0% and 6-58.2%), while reducing surface tension of the medium by about 50%. The obtained results constitute a promising basis for further research on biosynthesis of surfactin using potato peelings as a cheap alternative to synthetic medium components.

Microorganisms, the Ultimate Tool for Clean Label Foods?

Clean label is an important trend in the food industry. It aims at washing foods of chemicals perceived as unhealthy by consumers. Microorganisms are present in many foods (usually fermented), they exhibit a diversity of metabolism and some can bring probiotic properties. They are usually well considered by consumers and, with progresses in the knowledge of their physiology and behavior, they can become very precise tools to produce or degrade specific compounds. They are thus an interesting means to obtain clean label foods. In this review, we propose to discuss some current research to use microorganisms to produce clean label foods with examples improving sensorial, textural, health and nutritional properties.

Foaming of rhamnolipids fermentation: impact factors and fermentation strategies

Rhamnolipids have recently attracted considerable attentions because of their excellent biosurfactant performance and potential applications in agriculture, environment, biomedicine, etc., but severe foaming causes the high cost of production, restraining their commercial production and applications. To reduce or eliminate the foaming, numerous explorations have been focused on foaming factors and fermentation strategies, but a systematic summary and discussion are still lacking. Additionally, although these studies have not broken through the bottleneck of foaming, they are conducive to understanding the foaming mechanism and developing more effective rhamnolipids production strategies. Therefore, this review focuses on the effects of fermentation components and control conditions on foaming behavior and fermentation strategies responded to the severe foaming in rhamnolipids fermentation and systematically summarizes 6 impact factors and 9 fermentation strategies. Furthermore, the potentialities of 9 fermentation strategies for large-scale production are discussed and some further strategies are suggested. We hope this review can further facilitate the understanding of foaming factors and fermentation strategies as well as conducive to developing the more effective large-scale production strategies to accelerate the commercial production process of rhamnolipids.

Synthetic and Bio-Derived Surfactants Versus Microbial Biosurfactants in the Cosmetic Industry: An Overview

This article includes an updated review of the classification, uses and side effects of surfactants for their application in the cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Based on their origin and composition, surfactants can be divided into three different categories: (i) synthetic surfactants; (ii) bio-based surfactants; and (iii) microbial biosurfactants. The first group is the most widespread and cost-effective. It is composed of surfactants, which are synthetically produced, using non-renewable sources, with a final structure that is different from the natural components of living cells. The second category comprises surfactants of intermediate biocompatibility, usually produced by chemical synthesis but integrating fats, sugars or amino acids obtained from renewable sources into their structure. Finally, the third group of surfactants, designated as microbial biosurfactants, are considered the most biocompatible and eco-friendly, as they are produced by living cells, mostly bacteria and yeasts, without the intermediation of organic synthesis. Based on the information included in this review it would be interesting for cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical industries to consider microbial biosurfactants as a group apart from surfactants, needing specific regulations, as they are less toxic and more biocompatible than chemical surfactants having formulations that are more biocompatible and greener.

Toxicity Profiling of Biosurfactants Produced by Novel Marine Bacterial Strains

Surface active agents (SAAs), currently used in modern industry, are synthetic chemicals produced from non-renewable sources, with potential toxic impacts on humans and the environment. Thus, there is an increased interest for the identification and utilization of natural derived SAAs. As such, the marine environment is considered a promising source of biosurfactants with low toxicity, environmental compatibility, and biodegradation compared to their synthetic counterparts. MARISURF is a Horizon 2020 EU-funded project aiming to identify and functionally characterize SAAs, derived from a unique marine bacterial collection, towards commercial exploitation. Specifically, rhamnolipids produced by Marinobacter MCTG107b and Pseudomonas MCTG214(3b1) strains were previously identified and characterized while currently their toxicity profile was assessed by utilizing well-established methodologies. Our results showed a lack of cytotoxicity in in vitro models of human skin and liver as indicated by alamar blue and propidium iodide assays. Additionally, the use of the single gel electrophoresis assay, under oxidative stress conditions, revealed absence of any significant mutagenic/anti-mutagenic potential. Finally, both 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) cell-free assays, revealed no significant anti-oxidant capacity for neither of the tested compounds. Consequently, the absence of significant cytotoxicity and/or mutagenicity justifies their commercial exploitation and potential development into industrial end-user applications as natural and environmentally friendly biosurfactants.

Effect of synthetic surfactants on the environment and the potential for substitution by biosurfactants

The environmental impacts of the use of synthetic surfactants are discussed in this work such as their high levels of toxicity and low biodegradability. These materials destroy aquatic microbial populations, damage fish and other aquatic life, and reduce photochemical energy conversion efficiency of plants as well as adversely affecting waste-water treatment processes. With global usage of surfactants being over 15 million tonnes annually, and an estimated 60% of surfactant ending up in the aquatic environment, there is an urgent need for alternatives with lower adverse environmental effects; this review explores biosurfactants as potential alternatives. The sources and natural function of biosurfactants are presented, together with their advantages compared with their synthetic counterparts, including their low toxicity and biodegradability. Their comparable effectiveness as surfactants has been demonstrated by surface tension reduction, achieved at much lower critical micelle concentrations that those of synthetic surfactants. The limitations and challenges for the use of biosurfactants are discussed, particularly low production yields; such limitations must be addressed before wide range industrial use of biosurfactants can be achieved. Although there has been focus on achieving greater production yields, a remaining issue is the lack of research into the use of biosurfactants in a greater range of industrial and consumer applications to demonstrate their efficacy and identify candidate biosurfactants for production. This review highlights such research as deserving of further investigation, alongside the ongoing work to optimize the production process.

Towards Rational Biosurfactant Design-Predicting Solubilization in Rhamnolipid Solutions

The efficiency of micellar solubilization is dictated inter alia by the properties of the solubilizate, the type of surfactant, and environmental conditions of the process. We, therefore, hypothesized that using the descriptors of the aforementioned features we can predict the solubilization efficiency, expressed as molar solubilization ratio (MSR). In other words, we aimed at creating a model to find the optimal surfactant and environmental conditions in order to solubilize the substance of interest (oil, drug, etc.). We focused specifically on the solubilization in biosurfactant solutions. We collected data from literature covering the last 38 years and supplemented them with our experimental data for different biosurfactant preparations. Evolutionary algorithm (EA) and kernel support vector machines (KSVM) were used to create predictive relationships. The descriptors of biosurfactant (logP_BS, measure of purity), solubilizate (logP_sol, molecular volume), and descriptors of conditions of the measurement (T and pH) were used for modelling. We have shown that the MSR can be successfully predicted using EAs, with a mean R² _val of 0.773 ± 0.052. The parameters influencing the solubilization efficiency were ranked upon their significance. This represents the first attempt in literature to predict the MSR with the MSR calculator delivered as a result of our research.

Rhamnolipid the Glycolipid Biosurfactant: Emerging trends and promising strategies in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are surface-active compounds and belong to the class of glycolipid biosurfactants, mainly produced from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to their non-toxicity, high biodegradability, low surface tension and minimum inhibitory concentration values, they have gained attention in various sectors like food, healthcare, pharmaceutical and petrochemicals. The ecofriendly biological properties of rhamnolipids make them potent materials to be used in therapeutic applications. RLs are also known to induce apoptosis and thus, able to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. RLs can also act as immunomodulators to regulate the humoral and cellular immune systems. Regarding their antimicrobial property, they lower the surface hydrophobicity, destruct the cytoplasmic membrane and lower the critical micelle concentration to kill the bacterial cells either alone or in combination with nisin possibly due to their role in modulating outer membrane protein. RLs are also involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles for in vivo drug delivery. In relation to economic benefits, the post-harvest decay of food can be decreased by RLs because they prevent the mycelium growth, spore germination of fungi and inhibit the emergence of biofilm formation on food. The present review focuses on the potential uses of RLs in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food and health-care industries as the potent therapeutic agents.

Biosurfactants’ Potential Role in Combating COVID-19 and Similar Future Microbial Threats

During 2020, the world has experienced extreme vulnerability in the face of a disease outbreak. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic discovered in China and rapidly spread across the globe, infecting millions, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths, and severe downturns in the economies of countries worldwide. Biosurfactants can play a significant role in the prevention, control and treatment of diseases caused by these pathogenic agents through various therapeutic, pharmaceutical, environmental and hygiene approaches. Biosurfactants have the potential to inhibit microbial species with virulent intrinsic characteristics capable of developing diseases with high morbidity and mortality, as well as interrupting their spread through environmental and hygiene interventions. This is possible due to their antimicrobial activity, ability to interact with cells forming micelles and to interact with the immune system, and compatibility with relevant processes such as nanoparticle synthesis. They, therefore, can be applied in developing innovative and more effective pharmaceutical, therapeutics, sustainable and friendly environmental management approaches, less toxic formulations, and more efficient cleaning agents. These approaches can be easily integrated into relevant product development pipelines and implemented as measures for combating and managing pandemics. This review examines the potential approaches of biosurfactants as useful molecules in fighting microbial pathogens both known and previously unknown, such as COVID-19.

Application of bioactive glycolipids to control Listeria monocytogenes biofilms and as post-lethality contaminants in milk and cheese

Listeria monocytogenes can form persistent biofilms on food processing surfaces, resulting in cross-contamination of food products, including milk and milk products. Natural glycolipids are a promising intervention to control undesirable microbes due to their antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of glycolipids to control L. monocytogenes biofilms as well as in milk and on Queso Fresco. Application of a natural glycolipid product significantly reduced biofilm-associated L. monocytogenes on both polystyrene and stainless steel at concentrations as low as 45 mg/L. When added to UHT skim milk, a concentration of 1000 mg/L inhibited L. monocytogenes growth through 7 days of storage at 7 °C, and application of 1300 and 1500 mg/L reduced counts to levels below the limit of enumeration at day 21. In contrast, 2000 mg/L were necessary to inhibit growth through 7 days in whole milk. Glycolipid solutions at concentrations ≥10% reduced L. monocytogenes counts on Queso Fresco through 7 days when applied as a dip. Overall, natural glycolipids have potential as a natural alternative for the removal of biofilms and as an antimicrobial to control L. monocytogenes in milk and milk products with short shelf lives.