Surfactin as a multifaceted biometabolite for sustainable plant defense: a review

Plants face numerous challenges in their ongoing battle against pests and diseases. Traditional protection methods often involve synthetic pesticides, which have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. However, the quest for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions has brought surfactin into the spotlight as a promising defender of plants. Surfactin, a biometabolite produced by Bacillus spp., has gained attention due to its multifaceted properties contributing to plant defense. This review highlights the eco-friendly nature of surfactin and explores its notable functions as an antimicrobial agent, the ability to modulate plant defense mechanisms, enhance colonization and biofilm formation of antagonists, and ultimately promote plant growth. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly characteristics of surfactin, such as its biodegradability and low toxicity, make it an ideal candidate for sustainable plant protection strategies. The potential applications and challenges in utilizing surfactin as an eco-friendly defender of plants are discussed, providing insights for future research and the development of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.