Amphiphilic Molecules of Microbial Origin Classification, Characteristics, Genetic Regulations, and Pathways for Biosynthesis - Biosurfactants: Research Trends and Applications - page 42

UDP-glucosyltransferase genes, UGTA1 and UGTB1 , have been identified and
confirmed to play an important role in glucosylation steps. However, other aspects of
gene regulation have to be explored (Saerens et al., 2011).

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
• The commercialization of microbial surfactants is limited because of high

production cost and low yields. Since the raw material cost constitutes 30%
of the total production cost, use of low-cost substrates can make the biosur-
factant production economically viable. Also optimal growth and produc-
tion conditions with cheap and efficient downstream processing methods
are essential (Mukherjee et al., 2006).

• Use of recombinant and mutant hyperproducing microbial strains can

improve the biosurfactant yield. The genes responsible for the biosurfactant
synthesis have to be extensively studied, so that the production technologies
can be controlled and the product yields can be improved (Das et al., 2008b).

• Use of various statistical and mathematical optimization tools can improve

the yield and reduce the cost of biosurfactant production (Sen, 2007;
Sen and Swaminathan, 1997; Sivapathasekaran et al., 2010).

• Even though a variety of microorganisms have been found to produce dif-

ferent types of biosurfactants, Bacillus, Pseudomonas , and Candida sp. are
primarily focused. Since many other genera are known to produce biosur-
factants, they have to be closely examined (Mukherjee et al., 2006).

• Biosurfactants with new structures and new properties have to be developed

through the application of molecular biotechnology. The structural modi-
fication of biosurfactants would probably widen the potential use of these
compounds.

• Biosurfactants from extremophiles and hyperextremophiles should be given

more attention, which are more suitable to use in oil fields (Perfumo et al., 2010).

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