Microbial degradation of hydrocarbons from petroleum assisted by biosurfactants: Pathways and bioremediation potential
Jiaxin Cui, Peter Dörmann
Abstract
and water. This review examines the degradation pathways of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons by these bacteria, highlighting key enzymatic mechanisms and the pivotal role of biosurfactants-specifically rhamnolipids, and glycine-glucolipid-in enhancing hydrocarbon bioavailability. It also delves into the biosynthesis of these biosurfactants, along with the involvement of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) in producing lipopeptide biosurfactants such as surfactin. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges associated with scaling up biosurfactant production for bioremediation applications. Through a synopsis of recent research, this work proposes strategies to optimize biosurfactant efficacy, contributing to environmental sustainability and advancing the field of microbial ecology.