The low toxicity, biodegradability, powerful surface activity, and the
functionality under extreme conditions (pH, salinity and temperature) make the
surfactants produced by micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts) best surfaceactive molecules that can replace hazardous and non degradable chemical surfactants in
different industries and fields. In recent decades, there has been growing interest in the
use of biosurfactants for bioremediation of environmental pollution and biodegradation
of various categories of hydrophobic pollutants and waste due to their eco-friendly and
low-cost properties. This chapter presents the classification, the characteristics, and the
potential uses of biosurfactants in the solubilization and enhancing the biodegradation
of low solubility compounds.
Keywords: Biosurfactants, Surface-active, Biodegradation, Application, Environmental pollution, Micro-organisms.
