Unlocking the potential of biosurfactants: Production, applications, market challenges, and opportunities for agro-industrial waste valorization

Biosurfactants are eco-friendly compounds with unique properties and promising potential as sustainable al-ternatives to chemical surfactants. The current review explores the multifaceted nature of biosurfactant pro-duction and applications, highlighting key fermentative parameters and microorganisms able to convert carbon -containing sources into biosurfactants. A spotlight is given on biosurfactants' obstacles in the global market, focusing on production costs and the challenges of large-scale synthesis. Innovative approaches to valorizing agro-industrial waste were discussed, documenting the utilization of lignocellulosic waste, food waste, oily waste, and agro-industrial wastewater in the segment. This strategy strongly contributes to large-scale, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biosurfactant production, while the recent advances in waste valorization pave the way for a sustainable society.