title: Novel lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by hydrocarbon degrading and heavy metal tolerant bacterium Escherichia fergusonii KLU01 as a potential tool for bioremediation.
abstract: Escherichia fergusonii KLU01, a propitious bacterial strain isolated from oil contaminated soil was identified to be hydrocarbon degrading, heavy metal tolerant and a potent producer of biosurfactant using diesel oil as the sole carbon and energy source. The biosurfactant produced by the strain was characterized to be a lipopeptide. The minimum active dose and critical micelle concentration of the biosurfactant were found as 0.165±0.08 μg and 36 mg/L, respectively. In spite of being an excellent emulsifier, the biosurfactant showed an incredible stability at extremes of temperature, pH and at various concentrations of NaCl, CaCl₂ and MgCl₂. Also the bacterium manifested tolerance towards Manganese, Iron, Lead, Nickel, Copper and Zinc. The strain emerges as a new class of biosurfactant producer with potential environmental and industrial applications, especially in hydrocarbon degradation and heavy metal bioremediation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil 626126, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: Muthu Irulappan
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Sriram
authors.forename: Shanmugakani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gayathiri
authors.forename: Ulaganathan
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gnanaselvi
authors.forename: Paulraj Stanly
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Jenifer
authors.forename: Subramanian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohan Raj
authors.forename: Sangiliyandi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gurunathan
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004925:Escherichia / Q000378:metabolism*; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D055666:Lipopeptides / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D008823:Micelles; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons; D055666:Lipopeptides; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D008823:Micelles; D013501:Surface-Active Agents