Surfactin production from Bacillus cereus AHMNAZ1 and its potential applications

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.