Effects of rhamnolipids on microorganism characteristics and applications in composting: A review

Biosurfactant rhmnolipids have been applied in many fields, especially in environmental bioremediation. According to previous researches, many research groups have studied the influence of rhamnolipids on microorganism characteristics and/or its application in composting. In this review, the effects of rhamnolipids on the cell surface properties of microorganisms was discussed firstly; such as cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), electrical, surface compounds, etc. Moreover, the deeper mechanisms were also discussed, such as the effects of rhamnolipids on the structural characteristics and functional characteristics of the cell membrane, and the effects of rhamnolipids on the related enzymes and genes. Additionally, the application of rhamnolipids in composting was discussed, which is an important way for pollutant biodegradation and resource reutilization. It is believed that rhamnolipids will play more and more important role in composting.