S. SUGANYA, T.S. BLESSY THAYALIN AND V. PRABAKARAN
Abstract
The present investigation demonstrates the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing microorganisms. Of the four strains selected after screening, three were bacteria while one was actinomycetes. Results revealed that emulsification activity of biosurfactant was greater with glycerol and glucose as carbon source and NH4NO3 as efficient nitrogen source. The emulsification index of the biosurfactant reached its maximum at 4% NaCl. The biosurfactant produced by Bacillus showed greater zone of inhibition against all the organisms tested. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that agricultural waste and effluent from dairy waste offer promise nutrient sources for biosurfactant production.