Curtobacterium oceanosedimentum-derived biosurfactants as eco-friendly biocontrol agent with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties for sustainable applications.

Abstract

Biosurfactants are eco-friendly surface-active biomolecules with diverse applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and healthcare. This study identifies Curtobacterium oceanosedimentum (C. oceanosedimentum) as a novel biosurfactants producer with potent biocontrol potential against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The present study contributes to ongoing efforts in biosurfactant research by presenting the functional attributes of C. oceanosedimentum-derived biosurfactants (COBS), characterized as a complex glycolipopeptide or lipoglycoprotein containing lipid, peptide, and carbohydrate moieties. Preliminary screening through oil spreading, drop collapse, and hemolytic assays confirmed biosurfactants production, while emulsification index assays demonstrated strong emulsifying activity, particularly with olive oil (60%), indicating broad applicability. Advanced characterization using HPTLC, FTIR, and HR-LCMS revealed the presence of amino acids, peptides, and fatty acid amides, further validating its structural complexity. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated superior efficacy of COBS, exhibiting significant antibacterial activity against Chromobacterium violaceum (24 mm) and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (22 mm), alongside pronounced antifungal effects against Candida albicans, Fusarium proliferatum, and Penicillium purpurogenum. These findings establish COBS as a unique biosurfactants with dual antibacterial and antifungal properties, distinguishing it from previously reported biosurfactants. Its eco-friendly nature and broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential make it a promising candidate for sustainable applications in biocontrol, healthcare, and environmental remediation. Further studies on large-scale production and stability optimization will be essential for commercial applications.