Comparison of Biosurfactant Production by Four Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces glycolipidic surface-active molecules (rhamnolipids) which have potential biotechnological applications. Four P. aeruginosa strains, PTCCs 1310, 1599, 1074 and 1430 were compared regarding their ability to produce biosurfactant on various carbon sources. The 4 strains were grown on a medium containing glucose as the sole carbon source. Biosurfactant production was examined via oil spreading technique. The clear zone diameter of 25, 12 and 8 cm were obtained for strains 1310, 1074 and 1430, respectively, while no surface activity was observed for the culture of strain 1599. Using olive oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil as carbon sources in culture media resulted in better growth compared to glucose for all strains. In addition, augmentation in biosurfactant production was observed for all strains cultivated in oil-containing media. Strain 1310 was found to be the best biosurfactant producer, resulting in nearly 40 cm of clear zone diameter in all tested oils.

Keywords:

Biosurfactant , Screening , Oil Spreading , Pseudomonas aeruginosa