The role of biosurfactants in the advancement of veterinary medicine

Abstract

Numerous microorganisms produce secondary metabolites with surface-active properties, which are defined as biosurfactants and are eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic counterparts. They exhibit unique properties, such as lower toxicity, high specificity, higher biodegradability, and environmental compatibility compared to their chemical counterparts. Currently, importance is given to large-scale economical production as well as purification. Biosurfactants such as lipopeptides and glycolipids have various biological properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antibiofilm, antiadhesive, immunomodulatory, wound healing, and antimycoplasma activities. Biosurfactants directly disrupt the plasma membrane of cells or the cell wall of bacteria, whereas they interact with the lipid envelope to destroy viruses. Furthermore, biosurfactants exhibit antitumor activity via inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, or by inhibiting metastasis without affecting nontumor cells. Their antiproliferative activity is associated with their anticancer effects. However, very little research has been conducted on the potential application of biosurfactants for veterinary purposes. In this chapter, we discuss recent advancements in the use of biosurfactants in the field of veterinary medicine. We shed light on the toxicity of biosurfactants and how various properties of biosurfactants make them suitable for potential applications in the field of veterinary medicine.