A novel microbial biosurfactant/bioemulsifier: production and characterization

Silva, Tiago; Paixão, Susana M.; Tavares, João; Alves, Luís

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.9/4021

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Abstract(s)

ABSTRACT: Currently there is an immediate need for new and more sustainable production methods in most industries. The detergent industry, frequently associated with negative environmental impacts, is also in need of new alternatives, such as biosurfactants/bioemulsifiers (BS/BE). These are naturally synthetized compounds, classified as amphiphilic, for having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Their application results in a reduction of the surface tension between two immiscible phases, facilitating the mixture of different substances such as water and oil, or water and air (Tavares et al., 2021). BS/BE present several advantages over conventional detergents, they have lower toxicity and greater biodegradability, resulting in lower negative impacts to both consumers and ecosystems. Furthermore, these compounds present antibiotic, antiviral and antioxidant properties. They can be used in a broad range of pH, temperature and salinity and are effective at small concentrations. This makes them interesting for many other industries, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical. BS/BE are commonly produced by microorganisms found in particular environments such as oil wells, hydrocarbon contaminated soils and solid waste lixiviates. These compounds facilitate the access to hydrophobic nutrient sources abundant in these environments, while also increasing the resistance of the microorganisms to such toxic environments. Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B, is a bacterium with significant biotechnological potential, which was isolated from oil contaminated soils (Alves et al., 2005). It is mostly known for its biodesulfurizing properties, carotenoid production and broad catabolic range (Silva et al., 2016). The present work focuses on the potential of this strain to produce BS/BE compounds, initial purification and characterization.

Keywords

Biosurfactants Bioemulsifiers Gordonia alkanivorans

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.9/4021

Citation

Silva T.P.; S.M. Paixão, J. Tavares, L. Alves (2022). A novel microbial biosurfactant/bioemulsifier: Production and characterization. 1st International Conference on Sustainable Chemical and Environmental Engineering (SustEng'2022), 31 August – 4 September, Rethymno, Crete. Proceedings - ISBN 978-618-86417-0-9, p. 327-328