Characterization
and Application of Biosurfactant producing Bacteria and Nanoparticle Synthesis for
Bioremediation and Plant Growth Promotion
Sowbaranika U., Ashokkumar K., Abirami G., Miller Samson S. and Prakash Balu
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(7); 19-24;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/207rjbt019024; (2025)
Abstract
Biosurfactants are surface-active biomolecules with significant applications in
bioremediation, particularly for the breakdown of hydrocarbon pollutants. This study
investigates the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant-producing bacterial
strains from oil-contaminated soils in Chennai, India, with a focus on Enterobacter
cloacae. Screening assays including hemolysis, oil spreading and emulsification,
identified Enterobacter cloacae as a promising candidate. Optimal production conditions:
37°C, pH 7, glucose and casein as carbon and nitrogen sources, yielded a high-performance
biosurfactant. This biosurfactant facilitated the synthesis of silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs), confirmed by UV-visible, FTIR, SEM and XRD analyses, demonstrating antimicrobial
properties. Bioremediation potential was validated by applying the biosurfactant
and its AgNP composite to oil-contaminated soils, showing significant hydrocarbon
degradation.
Additionally, Enterobacter cloacae exhibited plant growth-promoting traits such
as nitrogen fixation and indole acetic acid production. These findings suggest that
biosurfactants and biosurfactant-AgNP composites are effective agents for environmental
remediation and sustainable agriculture.
