Isolation of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Product Characterization, and Evaluation

AS Aburuwaida, Ibrahim Banat, S Haditirto, A Salem, M Kadri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

135 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A gram-positive, nonfermentative, rod-shaped bacterium designated St-5, identified as Rhodococcus, was isolated from Kuwait soil. Grown on hydrocarbon, such as kerosene and n-paraffin, the bacterium produced surface-active compounds (biosurfactants). Measurements of surface tension, critical micelle dilution and emulsifying activity indicated that the biosurfactant is produced as a primary metabolite. The ST-5 culture surface-active component is mainly glycolipid in nature. Whole-culture broth dropped surface tension to values below 27 mN/m and was stable during, exposure to high salinity (10% NaCl), elevated temperatures (120-degrees-C for 15 min) and a wide range of pH values. The culture broth was effective in recovering up to 86% of the residual oil from oil-saturated sand packs, indicating potential value in enhanced oil-recovery processes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-324
JournalACTA Biotechnologica
Volume11
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1991

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Isolation of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Product Characterization, and Evaluation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this