Green Chemistry and Biosurfactant Research - Biosurfactants: Research Trends and Applications - page 23

The commercial success of microbial surfactants is currently limited by the high
cost of production. Optimized growth/production conditions using cheaper renew-
able substrates and novel and efficient multistep downstream processing methods
could make BS production more profitable and economically feasible. Furthermore,
recombinant and mutant hyperproducer microbial strains, able to grow on a wide
range of cheap substrates, could produce BSs in high yield and, potentially, bring the
required breakthrough for their economic production.
Finally, the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies
here. Green chemistry is pollution prevention at the molecular level. The 12 prin-
ciples of green chemistry provide a structured framework for scientists and engi-
neers to engage in when designing new materials, products, processes, and systems
that are benign to human health and the environment (Anastas and Zimmerman,
2003). Engineers use these principles as guidelines to help ensure that designs for
products, processes, or systems have the fundamental components, conditions, and
circumstances necessary to be more sustainable. Furthermore, the breadth of the
principles' applicability is important (Anastas and Zimmerman, 2003). Otherwise,
these would not be principles, but a mere compilation of list of useful techniques
that have been successfully demonstrated under specific conditions. Indeed, sus-
tainability will be one of the main drivers for innovation in order to allow the
technical industries to care for the well-being of consumers in a safe and healthy
environment. The hope or long-term vision is that a strong, just, and wealthy society
can be consistent with a clean environment, healthy ecosystems, and a beautiful
planet. For this education, fundamental research and knowledge transfer are the
necessary tools to achieve.
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