Screening, isolation, and process optimization of a bioemulsifier-producing Acinetobacter Y-1.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Bioemulsifiers are crucial for sustainable industrial processes.
• Optimizing bioemulsifier production is essential for their widespread application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify microbial strains capable of producing high-performance bioemulsifiers.
• To optimize fermentation conditions for enhanced bioemulsifier yield.
• To characterize the properties and stability of the produced bioemulsifier.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and screening of 27 strains from activated sludge.
• Identification of promising strain Y-1 using emulsification index (EI) and rating.
• Strain Y-1 identification via morphological, biochemical, and 16S rDNA sequencing (Acinetobacter).
• Optimization of fermentation using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology.

Main Results:

• Strain Y-1 showed excellent emulsifying activity (EI 65%) towards liquid paraffin and crude oil.
• Optimal fermentation conditions: C/N ratio 1:1, 2% inoculum, 34°C.
• Maximized bioemulsifier yield reached 6.9 g/L, a 4.14-fold increase.
• The bioemulsifier demonstrated broad substrate applicability and stability across wide temperature, salinity, and pH ranges.

Conclusions:

• Acinetobacter Y-1 is a promising source for high-activity, stable bioemulsifier production.
• Optimized fermentation significantly enhances bioemulsifier yield.
• The bioemulsifier's robustness suggests significant potential for diverse industrial applications.