Evaluation of SDS-coated iron nanostructure on the gene expression of bio surfactant-producing genes by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bio surfactants are natural surfactants that induce emulsification, displacement, increased solubility, and mobility of hydrophobic organic compounds. In this study, the gene expression of biosurfactant production genes by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate coated iron nanostructure (Fe/SDS) were evaluated. Emulsification Index and Surface Tension reduction test to check stability and emulsification the rhamnolipid were done. Purification was evaluated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and expression of rhlA, mvfR, lasR, rhlR genes was determined using q-PCR technique. Binding of nanoparticles to bio surfactants was confirmed by TEM. The best emulsification index, was by the sample that exposed to 1 mg/L Fe/SDS nanoparticles for 2 days. Rhamnolipid produced in the presence of nanoparticles had an acceptable ability to reduce surface tension. The Rf (retention factor) value obtained was 0.63 by chromatography. q-PCR results showed that the expression of rhlA, mvfR, lasR, rhlR genes was significantly increased in Fe/SDS treated cells, which indicates the significant positive effect (P < 0.05) of nanoparticles on biosurfactant production of treated cells. While, SDS and Fe alone were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) on the expression of these genes. Our findings indicated the importance of nanoparticles in increasing the expression of genes involved in the bio surfactant production pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.