BIO-SURFACTANTS FROM THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW

Authors

  • TEMITOPE O. ASHAMU Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
  • AYODELE E. OMOTAYO Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
  • ADEDOTUN A. ADEKUNLE Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Bio-surfactants are surface-active agents that are produced by plants and microorganisms.  Unlike chemical surfactants, they are biodegradable, less toxic, and have many applications in many industries, including the pharmaceutical and food industries. Bio-surfactants are structurally diverse owing to the diversity of pathways and microorganisms involved in their biosynthesis.  Research on microbial bio-surfactants has increased over the years because of their multiple features and applications, such as detergency, foaming, emulsifying, and solubilisation of hydrophobic compounds.  However, the high cost of production remains a challenge for the large-scale production of bio-surfactants.  The use of cheap agricultural waste as substrates for bio-surfactant production can significantly reduce the cost of production.  The refining of palm oil generates a large amount of waste, including palm fatty acid distillate, palm oil mill effluent, and palm oil decanter cake.  These wastes and their disposal pose a significant challenge to the environment. Several studies have described the use of palm oil and the waste products of palm oil refineries as substrates for the production of bio-surfactants.  Beyond providing substrates for bio-surfactant production, the soil and effluent from the palm oil industry are a very rich source of bio-surfactant-producing microorganisms.  This review evaluated the literature on bio-surfactant production using palm oil and wastes from palm oil processing to determine their suitability for bio-surfactant production.  It identified the role of bio-surfactant production in the management of waste from the palm oil industry and discusses the challenges and prospects of bio-surfactant production in the palm oil industry. 

 

Author Biographies

TEMITOPE O. ASHAMU, Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba,  Lagos, Nigeria

 

AYODELE E. OMOTAYO, Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba,  Lagos, Nigeria

 

ADEDOTUN A. ADEKUNLE, Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba,  Lagos, Nigeria

 

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Published

2025-08-01

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