Advancements and Challenges in the Production of Biosurfactants: A Path Toward Sustainable Surfactant Alternatives

Abstract Microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and select filamentous fungi exhibit the capability to synthesize biosurfactants (BSs), each characterized by distinct molecular compositions and surface‐active traits. The exceptional structural versatility, adaptability, and multifaceted properties of BSs have positioned them as promising candidates for diverse applications. The industrial landscape has increasingly embraced these molecules, driven by their potential to enhance various processes. Notably, genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technologies have gained traction as strategies to efficiently produce BSs, opening new avenues for innovation. As environmental awareness grows and regulations tighten, BSs emerge as viable alternatives, although cost competitiveness remains an obstacle. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is necessary when assessing environmental impacts in order to get the most precise idea of the environmental impact connected to a product or service delivered from a large‐scale BS production system and reduce prices, enabling a transition toward greener practices.