title: Biosurfactants in cosmetics and biopharmaceuticals.
abstract: Biosurfactants are surface-active biomolecules that are produced by various micro-organisms. They show unique properties i.e. lower toxicity, higher biodegradability and environmental compatibility compared to their chemical counterparts. Glycolipids and lipopeptides have prompted application in biotechnology and cosmetics due to their multi-functional profile i.e. detergency, emulsifying, foaming and skin hydrating properties. Additionally, some of them can be served as antimicrobials. In this study the current status of research and development on rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosyloerythritol lipids, trehalipids, xylolipids and lipopeptides particularly their commercial application in cosmetics and biopharmaceuticals, is described.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cosmetology, Department of Aesthetics and Cosmetology, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varvaresou
authors.affiliation: Department of Drugs, Ministry of Health, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Iakovou
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001709:Biotechnology; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000737:chemistry*; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D055666:Lipopeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D006017:Glycolipids; D055666:Lipopeptides; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C418382:rhamnolipid
keywords: antimicrobials; biopharmaceuticals; biosurfactants; biotechnology; cosmetics