Biosurfactants, Rhaminolipid, Microbial Production

Abstract Rhamnolipids are versatile and environment‐friendly biosurfactants composed of a hydrophilic rhamnose unit and a hydrophobic fatty acid part. This article covers all aspects of rhamnolipid biosurfactants production, from production strains to downstream processing. Features and possible applications of rhamnolipids are illustrated and their biosynthesis is reviewed. Production strains, cultivation strategies, and recovery methods for rhamnolipids are presented from a commercial point of view. Nonpathogenic production strains, which are rarely used for rhamnolipid production, are presented and discussed. Currently rhamnolipids are noncompetitive with established bulk surfactants due to the high production costs. In the final section, the limitations of current rhamnolipid production processes are highlighted and research demands are discussed.