Isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing potential of bacterial isolate

Abstract

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules in which hydrophobic moiety mainly consists of short and long chains of fatty acids, while hydrophilic moiety consists of carbohydrates, cyclic peptides or alcohol. Due to their unique properties like lower toxicity, higher biodegradability and stability at extreme temperatures and pH as well as their ability to be produced from renewable feedstock, they have proven to be superior to chemical surfactants. In the present study, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented food were explored for the production of biosurfactants. Amongst all isolated LAB strains, Enterococcus fecalis BHT-2 and Pediococcus pentosaceus S-2 exhibited a high potential to produce biosurfactants. Enterococcus fecalis BHT-2 and Pediococcus pentosaceus S-2 derived biosurfactants were identified as glycolipid and lipopeptide in nature respectively, which was confirmed by TLC, FTIR, NMR, LCMS and biochemical analysis. Biosurfactants derived from both microorganisms have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiadhesive potential against different biofilm-forming microorganisms. Moreover, biosurfactants derived from Enterococcus fecalis BHT-2 have oil degradation capability. Hence, the present study depicts the immense potential of derived biosurfactants in different fields. newline