Schematic diagram of the modes for hexadecane uptake by microbial cells in the presence of rhamnolipid. A. Diffusion of hexadecane from hexadecane/rhamnolipid
aggregate to bulk solution; B. Uptake of freely dissolved hexadecane; C. Adsorption of hexadecane/rhamnolipid aggregate to cell surface; D. Uptake of hexadecane from adsorbed
hexadecane/rhamnolipid aggregate; E. Interfacial uptake of hexadecane in mass form.