Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Oil pollution is an environmental problem of increasing importance. Hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, adapted to grow and thrive in oil-containing environments have an important role in the biological treatment of this pollution. One of the limiting factors in this process is the bioavailability of many fractions of the oil. The hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms produce biosurfactants of diverse chemical nature and molecular size. These surface-active materials increase the surface area of hydrophobic water-insoluble substrates and increase their bioavailability, thereby enhancing the growth of micro organisms and the rate of bioremediation. Biosurfactant producing fungi was identified on the basis of their morphological, physiological, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These fungi were screened for biosurfactant production using different carbon sources by measuring the surface tension of the medium at different time intervals. This biosurfactant has high emulsifying activity when compared to chemical surfactants such as Tween-80 and Triton X-100 with respect to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. However, present and future studies involve new biosurfactants and new applications as sustainable, renewable additives for nanoparticle production and use.

Biography

Uma Aulwar has completed her PhD from Aurangabad University. She has published more than 8 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor in Sir Parshurambhau College, India.

Email: aulwar_uma@rediffmail.com