Review: Progress in synthesis, properties and application of amino acid surfactants

Surfactants are widely used in washing, cosmetics, food, medicine, energy, construction, and other industrial fields. Biomass based surfactants have attracted attention because of their renewability and excellent performance. The number of related research and applications is increasing due to the varieties and excellent properties of amino acid surfactants (AASs). Based on the latest research and application literature, the paper summarized the classification; synthetic methods; and physicochemical properties of AASs, including surface activity, aggregate, gel, biodegradation, and safety and its applications in daily chemical, biological medicine, food, agriculture, and industry. The key research directions and good application prospects of AASs were summarized and prospected to provide reference for research and application in related fields.