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The Role of Biosurfactants in Biofuel Production

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Advancements in Biosurfactants Research

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Abstract

Enormous demands for energy, dwindling fossil fuel, and associated pollution among others have propelled efforts toward search for an alternative energy source. Biofuel has been viewed as a viable energy source in this regard. A set of stages were followed in the creation of biofuel from biomass or any other biological entity. The use of microorganisms in this case cannot be overemphasized. Amphiphilic microbial compounds are the biosurfactants that split at the interfaces of hydrophilic, and are secreted always by microorganisms through extracellular exudation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces high biosurfactant action. Biosurfactants produced by P. aeruginosa have unique enzymatic hydrolysis potential in the production of biofuel from biomass. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biosurfactants include rhamnolipid with a rapid outcome in lowering interfacial pressure of substrates and its surface tension. Rhamnolipid is biodegradable with insignificant toxicity, making it ideal for biofuel generation. The classification of biosurfactants was shown. Rhamnolipid from P. aeruginosa is used in biofuel production, and its quality and significance through unique and inimitable enzymatic hydrolysis potential for full oil recovery is enhance sustainable energy supply. Thus, this chapter reveals huge potential on the use of biosurfactants for the synthesis of biofuel to replace the fossil fuel.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Science, Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State, Nigeria

    O. E. Oyetunji & O. A. Thonda

  2. Department of Biological Science, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria

    B. C. Kotun & E. A. Ademola

  3. Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

    O. E. Oyetunji

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  1. O. E. Oyetunji
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  2. B. C. Kotun
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  3. O. A. Thonda
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  4. E. A. Ademola
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Correspondence to O. E. Oyetunji .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

    Ruby Aslam

  2. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

    Mohammad Mobin

  3. Taibah University, Al-Madina, Saudi Arabia

    Jeenat Aslam

  4. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

    Saman Zehra

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Oyetunji, O.E., Kotun, B.C., Thonda, O.A., Ademola, E.A. (2023). The Role of Biosurfactants in Biofuel Production. In: Aslam, R., Mobin, M., Aslam, J., Zehra, S. (eds) Advancements in Biosurfactants Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21682-4_18

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