NUTRITIONAL-REQUIREMENTS AND GROWTH-CHARACTERISTICS OF A BIOSURFACTANT - PRODUCING RHODOCOCCUS BACTERIUM

AS Aburuwaida, Ibrahim Banat, S Haditirto, A Khamis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The nutritional requirements and growth characteristics of a biosurfactant-producing Rhodococcus bacterium isolated from Kuwaiti soil were determined. Maximum cell yields (6.6 g/l) and biosurfactant production were achieved with a medium containing 2% (v/v) n-paraffin as a carbon and energy source, 0.2% lactose broth, optimal concentrations of nitrogen (nitrate), phosphorus, iron, magnesium and sodium sources, and minimal concentrations of potassium and trace element sources. The optimal pH was 6.8 for surfactant production and optimal temperature was 37-degrees-C. The biosurfactant produced after 16 to 33 h growth in a 7 I fermenter decreased both surface tension and interfacial tension of culture broth to below 27 and 1.8 mN/m, respectively, and was effective at critical micelle dilutions of 10(-3). Data on biosurfactant biosynthesis suggest that the product is produced as a primary metabolite and, therefore, could be produced effectively under continuous fermentation conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-61
JournalWorld Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Volume7
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - Jan 1991

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