Isolation and Characterisation of Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria from Domestic Wastes

Abstract

Bio-surfactants are organic compounds that accumulate at the interface of immiscible fluids, effectively reducing interfacial tension and enhancing solubility. With their eco-friendly nature, characterized by low toxicity and high biodegradability, bio-surfactants have garnered attention across various industries including cosmetics, agriculture, and bioremediation. In this study, bacteria capable of producing bio-surfactants were isolated from domestic wastes. Soil samples from a cloth washing area were cultured in LB medium, and the isolated bacteria were screened and characterized using physical (gram staining) and chemical (catalase and indole tests) methods. The predominant bacterial strains isolated were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, with B. subtilis being gram-positive and E. coli gram-negative. The bio-surfactant production capability of the isolated strains was confirmed through oil spreading assays. The findings suggest a potential for utilizing bio-surfactants in bioremediation applications, thereby contributing to environmental pollution control efforts. This study underscores the importance of exploring bio-surfactant-producing bacteria from domestic waste sources for their future applications in sustainable environmental management.