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  • Advances in applications of...
    Liu, Guansheng; Zhong, Hua; Yang, Xin; Liu, Yang; Shao, Binbin; Liu, Zhifeng

    Biotechnology and bioengineering, April 2018, Volume: 115, Issue: 4
    Journal Article

    The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the advances in the applications of rhamnolipids biosurfactants in soil and ground water remediation for removal of petroleum hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminants. The properties of rhamnolipids associated with the contaminant removal, that is, solubilization, emulsification, dispersion, foaming, wetting, complexation, and the ability to modify bacterial cell surface properties, were reviewed in the first place. Then current remediation technologies with integration of rhamnolipid were summarized, and the effects and mechanisms for rhamnolipid to facilitate contaminant removal for these technologies were discussed. Finally rhamnolipid‐based methods for remediation of the sites co‐contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals were presented and discussed. The review is expected to enhance our understanding on environmental aspects of rhamnolipid and provide some important information to guide the extending use of this fascinating chemical in remediation applications. Production, molecular structures, physiochemical, and biological properties of rhamnolipids, and application of rhamnolipid in bioremediation, soil washing, and phytoremediation for removal of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) and heavy metals, are reviewed.