Microbial Biosurfactants for Agriculture Applications
摘要
Sustainable agriculture is increasingly critical in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change. The overreliance on chemical pesticides and agrochemicals has led to soil and water pollution, reduced soil fertility, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pathogens. These issues underscore the need for ecofriendly alternatives to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental harm. Microbial biosurfactants, produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, have emerged as promising tools in sustainable agriculture due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and multifunctional properties. These surface-active compounds play a vital role in soil remediation, pest and disease control, plant growth promotion, and stress tolerance in crops. Biosurfactants improve soil quality by enhancing microbial activity, nutrient availability, and organic matter decomposition, while also mitigating the effects of salinity, drought, and heavy metal contamination. Additionally, they exhibit antimicrobial properties, making them effective biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Despite their potential, challenges such as high production costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited field-scale applications hinder their widespread adoption. However, advancements in bioprocess engineering, genetic modification, and the use of low-cost substrates offer promising avenues for scaling up biosurfactant production. The global market for biosurfactants is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices and environmentally friendly products. This review highlights the role of microbial biosurfactants in sustainable agriculture, explores their applications, and discusses the challenges and future prospects for their integration into agricultural systems. By leveraging biosurfactants, agriculture can move toward a more sustainable and resilient future, ensuring food security and environmental stewardship for generations to come.