Affiliations: [a] Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
| [b] Microbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Alaa Atef, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt. E-mails: alaaatef78@yahoo.com; alaasoliman.el.8.89@azhar.edu.eg.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Biosurfactants are surfactants derived from several types of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi as membrane components or secondary metabolites. OBJECTIVE:To increase BS productivity as a biocompatible, low-toxic substitute for chemical surfactants employed in modern industry and the huge variety of applications they are used in. METHODS:Different media were used in isolation of the biosurfactant BS producers. The most potent bacterial isolate was analysed by 16S-rRNA. Plackett Burman and Box-Behnken Designs were used for optimization conditions. BS was purified by and characterized. RESULTS:Only one strain demonstrated great BS productivity, excellent emulsifying capability (54.5±0.1%) and oil spreading activity which analysed as Bacillus cereus AHMNAZ1 with accession number OP714421.1. The BS was lipopeptide in nature, identified as a surfactin which was stable and has Critical Micelle Concentration of 60 mg/L. Isolated surfactin showed excellent activity against Colon Carcinoma and Breast Carcinoma cell lines and can be used as antimicrobial agent. CONCLUSION:The study found a cheaper way of creating biosurfactants from agro-industrial wastes, delivering a twofold benefit of lowering environmental pollution and manufacturing useful biotechnological products (biosurfactants) with high activity and thermostability. Moreover, it can be used for the bioremediation of oil-polluted soils and in medical fields.
