Rhamnolipids: Green Surfactant for Environmental Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Abstract

ABSTRACTGreen surfactants–based bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the environment is a promising technique. Rhamnolipids are a class of glycolipid surfactants that belong to the category of green surfactants and have distinctive characteristics. PAHs, which are hazardous toxins, are commonly found in polluted soil, water, and air. PAHs are difficult to break down because they are resistant to degradation and typical methods of cleaning up pollution are not very effective. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the capacity of specific microorganism species to produce rhamnolipids, which can enhance the process of PAH biodegradation. Rhamnolipids can dissolve and enhance the accessibility of PAHs, thereby boosting the effectiveness of microorganisms that break down PAHs. The presence of rhamnolipids can be attributed to the equilibrium between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, as well as their positive charge. Rhamnolipids have biosurfactant properties, making them beneficial for the bioremediation of polluted soil and water. In general, rhamnolipids have proven to be a highly efficient means of removing PAHs from the environment, providing a viable alternative to conventional chemical approaches. Nevertheless, additional investigation is necessary to gain a deeper comprehension of the fundamental principles behind rhamnolipid‐assisted bioremediation and to enhance its implementation in larger real‐world scenarios. This study provides a concise overview of recent research on the utilization of rhamnolipids for bioremediating PAHs in the environment. The article covers the underlying mechanisms, the specific microorganisms employed, and the overall efficacy of the bioremediation process. The utilization of rhamnolipids as a bioremediation tool is examined, along with the difficulties and restrictions of its implementation. The review's conclusion is followed by a discussion on the future directions for studying this topic.