BIOSURFACTANTS FROM MARINE MICROORGANISMS: II APPLICATION IN MEDICINE

Abstract

SummaryMarine microorganisms have unique metabolic and physiological characteristics and are an important source of new biomolecules such as biosurfactants. Many surfactants are synthesized by marine microorganisms and exhibit antimicrobial, antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs. Biosurfactants exhibit anticancer activity and can be considered as an alternative to traditional therapy for cancer. This review examines the most important biosurfactants produced by marine microorganisms that can be used in medicine as alternatives to existing drugs.