Molecular Characterization and Optimization of S-10 Isolate (Bacillus tequilensis-12730) for the Production of Biosurfactant

Biosurfactants, the surface active compounds produced by microorganisms, are capable of reducing surface tension and interfacial tension in water and hydrocarbon mixtures. Selecting low-cost and renewable sources is vital for successful biosurfactant manufacturing. The present study aims molecular characterization and optimize the media and culture conditions for the biosurfactant production by S-10 isolate (Bacillus tequilensis-12730) isolated from the soil samples collected from oil contaminated sites in Visakhapatnam. Based on different screening methods, out of 11 isolates, S-10 was selected for molecular characterization and optimization studies for biosurfactant production. Among the isolates screened for biosurfactant production, S-10 isolate exhibited the highest capacity for biosurfactant production, and is molecularly confirmed as Bacillus tequilensis-12730 through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The optimization of isolate for biosurfactant production was carried using different concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and oil source. At 40°C, the biosurfactant production was maximum with 1 ml of engine oil, 2 mg of glucose, 2g of sodium nitrate at pH-8 with inoculum size 3%. Based on the results obtained, the   S-10 isolate reduced the surface tension up to 29mN/m and showed 78% emulsification activity. Biosurfactant produced by Bacillus tequilensis can find applications in a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics, detergent, food, oil recovery enhancement and bioremediation.