PRODUCTION OF RHAMNOLIPID BIOSURFACTANT FROM A MARINE Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Biosurfactants are surface-active agents produced by hydrocarbanoclastic bacteria isolated from oil contaminated sites. In the present study a potential oil degrading bacterium was isolated from Cuddalore harbor waters and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using both biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing. Growth optimization of the strain was done against varying physiochemical parameters viz., Temperature, pH, salinity, incubation period, carbon source and nitrogen source. Mass scale cultivation was done using optimum parameters viz., 35 o C, pH, 1.5 % salinity, sucrose as carbon source and ammonium nitrate as nitrogen source. At 72hrs of incubation period, maximum growth was observed. 1.35mg/ml of biosurfactant in shake flask and 2.5mg/ml was obtained in laboratory scale fermentor. FTIR study proved that it was a rhamnolipid. © 2013 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved