Viscoelastic systems from glycolipid biosurfactants

Biosurfactants offer significant advantages over their chemical counterparts due to their environmentally friendly nature. Among them, glycolipids are one of the most studied classes and possess the ability to self-assemble into various structures. The ability of glycolipid bioamphiphiles to impart viscoelasticity and immobilize the solvent underscores their potential use beyond their surface-active properties, positioning them as efficient low-molecular-weight gelators for the development of functional soft materials. Herein, we review the viscoelastic properties of self-assembled glycolipid systems, namely worm-like micelles, fibrillar, and lamellar hydrogels. Next, recent trends in the development of multicomponent systems from the orthogonal self-assembly of glycolipids and biopolymer gels are highlighted.