Biosurfactants in Food: Advances, Innovative Applications and Functional Perspectives

Microbial biosurfactants have emerged as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants used in the food industry, due to the growing demand for biodegradable and safe ingredients. Produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, these compounds exhibit important physicochemical properties, such as emulsifying capacity, surface tension reduction, foam stabilization, and favorable interaction with different food matrices. In addition to their technological function, they exhibit relevant biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial action, which contribute to the control of lipid oxidation and microbiological deterioration. These characteristics make biosurfactants attractive for applications in emulsions, fermented beverages, aerated products, probiotic systems, and bioactive packaging. The objective of this work is to provide a narrative literature review that integrates recent advances in the production, functionality, safety, sustainability, and application perspectives of biosurfactants in the food sector. In the field of production, biotechnological advances have made it possible to overcome historical limitations such as high cost and low yield. Strategies such as the use of agro-industrial waste, metabolic engineering, microbial co-cultures, continuous fermentations, and in situ removal techniques have increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. Despite the advances, significant challenges remain. Future prospects and advances tend to facilitate industrial adoption and consolidate biosurfactants as strategic ingredients for the development of more sustainable, functional, and technologically advanced foods.