What is "sophorolipid"

n. A surface-active glycolipid compound that can be synthesized by a number of non-pathogenic yeast species.

A sophorolipid is a surface-active glycolipid compound that can be synthesized by a selected number of non-pathogenic yeast species. The first report on sophorolipids was published in 1961, but in the last two decades, because of growing environmental awareness, they have gained increased attention as potential bio-surfactants due to their biodegradability and low eco-toxicity. Today sophorolipids are considered promising bio-surfactants.