Biosurfactant  Biosurfactant usually refers to surfactants of microbial origin. Most of the bio-surfactants produced by microbes are synthesized extracellularly and many microbes are known to produce bio-surfactants in large relative quantities. Some are of commercial interest. Common biosurfactants include:  Microbial biosurfactants are obtain by including immiscible liquids in the growth medium. Potential applications include herbicides and pesticides formulations, detergents, healthcare and cosmetics, pulp and paper, coal, textiles, ceramic processing and food industries, uranium ore-processing, and mechanical dewatering of peat. Biosurfactants enhance the emulsification of hydrocarbons, thus they have the potential to solubilise hydrocarbon contaminants and increase their availability for microbial degradation. These compounds can also be used in enhanced oil recovery and may be considered for other potential applications in environmental protection.