EXPLORING THE MULTIFACETED POTENTIAL OF SURFACTIN: A BIOSURFACTANT FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Background: Surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis, has gained considerable interest due to its potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and biodegradation properties. As an amphiphilic compound, it disrupts microbial membranes, enhances pollutant biodegradation, and exhibits selective cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Its superior biodegradability and reduced environmental toxicity make it a promising alternative to synthetic surfactants. However, challenges related to cytotoxicity, scalability, and comprehensive safety profiling necessitate further investigation to enable its clinical and industrial applications. Objective: This study evaluates the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties of surfactin while assessing its biodegradation potential. Correlations between surfactin concentration and biological effects were analyzed to determine its therapeutic viability and environmental impact. Methods: Surfactin was produced using optimized fermentation conditions and characterized via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays on HEK293 cells, while antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated through zone-of-inhibition assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antiviral activity was quantified using viral plaque reduction assays on Herpes Simplex Virus. Biodegradation rates were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Statistical analyses, including correlation and ANOVA tests, were performed using SPSS v26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Surfactin exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones of 21.5 mm against E. coli and 18.3 mm against S. aureus. Antiviral efficacy peaked at 97.3% viral load reduction at 100 µg/mL. A significant correlation was observed between surfactin concentration and biological effects (r > 0.998, p < 0.0002). Biodegradation rates exceeded 89% at all tested concentrations, with the highest rate recorded at 50 µg/mL (93.6%). Cytotoxicity increased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 64.6% at 100 µg/mL. Conclusion: Surfactin demonstrates promising bioactivity in health and environmental biotechnology, with strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties and high biodegradability. However, cytotoxic effects at elevated concentrations and scalability challenges require further research. Future studies should focus on optimizing formulation strategies, conducting in vivo safety assessments, and improving large-scale production methods to facilitate clinical and industrial applications.