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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Bio-emulsifying and biodegradation activities of syringafactin producing Pseudomonas spp. strains isolated from oil
Oumaima Zouari1,2, Didier Lecouturier3,4, Alice Rochex1
1Univ. Lille, INRA, ISA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7394 - ICV - Institut Charles Viollette, 59000, Lille, France.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas strains isolated from oil contaminated soils were screened for biosurfactant production. Three out of eleven Pseudomonas isolates were selected for their high emulsifying activity (E24 value on n-hexadecane ~ 78%). These isolates (E39, E311 and E313) were identified as members of the P. putida group using phenotypical methods and a molecular approach. To identify the chemical nature of produced biosurfactants, thin layer chromatography and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry analysis were carried out and revealed lipopeptides belonging to the syringafactin family. The activity of the produced biosurfactants was stable over a pH range of 6-12, at high salinity (10%) and after heating at 80 °C. Tests in contaminated sand micro-bioreactors showed that the three strains were able to degrade diesel. These results suggest the potential of these syringafactin producing strains for application in hydrocarbon bioremediation.
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