Microbial synthesis of sophorolipids

Several non-pathogenic yeast species are described to synthesize sophorolipids: glycolipid molecules with surface tension lowering capacities. These so-called biosurfactants offer an environmental friendly alternative for the petrochemical derived surfactants used in various sectors and attract quite some industrial attention due to the high yields of over 400 g/L which can be obtained by cultivations with Candida bombicola. On top of their surface lowering properties, sophorolipids display several interesting biological activities, allowing applications in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and medical field. In this review, various aspects of the sophorolipid production process are outlined as well as recent findings on the biosynthetic pathway. Furthermore, the synthesis of modified sophorolipids derived either microbial or by post-fermentative modification is discussed. Finally, recent and novel applications of sophorolipids are summarized.