Bio-surfactants are surface-active substances synthesized by living cells. They have the ability to reduce surface tension and interfacial tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. They are used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics, detergents, and food products.
The first bio-surfactants were discovered in the early 20th century. They were found to be produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. In the 1950s and 1960s, scientists began to study the properties of bio-surfactants and their potential applications. In the 1970s and 1980s, the field of bio-surfactants began to grow, with the development of new technologies for producing and purifying them.
Today, bio-surfactants are used in a wide variety of applications. They are used as emulsifiers, detergents, and wetting agents in a variety of products, including cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. They are also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as enhanced oil recovery and bioremediation. The field of bio-surfactants is growing rapidly, with new technologies and applications emerging all the time.