Isolation and Screening of Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria from Soil and Water for their Potential Applications

Abstract: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds produced on the membrane of cells which tends to reduce surface tension. This study was done in order to isolate, screen for potential biosurfactant producing bacteria and its applications in plant growth and antimicrobial activity which were isolated from soil and water contaminated with used engine oil. Mineral salt medium(MSM) was used to isolate the bacterial strains. The isolated strains were screened for biosurfactant production by microplate assay, oil spread assay, blood haemolysis, CTAB agar assay, emulsification index test . The strains were followed through biochemical tests to study their composition. The isolated strains were run through 16s rRNA sequencing. Assessment of the properties of biosurfactant showed string antimicrobial activity against S.typhi, B.subtilis, E.coli. The biosurfactant effect on plant growth was examined and it showed improved growth in plants. The antimicrobial activity and the enhancement in the plant growth can lead to a revolution in the field of agriculture.