Biosurfactants in the Halal Economy: Sustainable Solutions for Food, Pharma, and Beyond

Biosurfactants, microbial surface-active compounds, are gaining attention as sustainable, biocompatible alternatives to synthetic surfactants. Their properties, including emulsification, foaming, and antimicrobial activities, enable diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. With increasing demand for halal-certified products, biosurfactants offer potential as halal ingredients, provided they are produced using compliant strains, substrates, and processing methods. This review examines the production of halal-compatible biosurfactants, their key functional properties, and their applications in halal product development. Emphasis is placed on food, drug delivery, and personal care sectors, alongside certification standards. Biosurfactants are positioned as novel, ethical ingredients supporting the global expansion of halal-compliant biotechnology.