  The term biosurfactants refers to a complex mixture of metabolites with
surface-active properties produced by specific microorganisms. However,
nowadays trends moves towards isolation, screening and purifying single
biocompatible, biodegradable biosurfactants with high commercialization
potential. Current legislation limiting petrochemicals combined with
environmentally concerned consumers did not only stimulate research and
development but it also promoted large-scale production of this class of
molecules. However, recent data recorded on single congeners question the
actual pertinence of using the word ''biosurfactant'' associated to these
molecules. By evaluating the accepted characteristics of surfactants and
comparing them to the actual self-assembly and bulk properties in water of
molecules traditionally called ''biosurfactants'', this opinion paper aims at
showing that the term ''biosurfactant'' can be somewhat reductive when applied
to specific individual compounds produced by fermentation. The use of a more
generic term, like bioamphiphile could probably be more pertinent and
appropriate for consideration in the future.
