Biosurfactant Characterization Of Bacillus Licheniformis Ns1 From Tithal Sea Beach, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Tithal coastal site is contaminated with oil spillage due to large amount of recreational activities and industrial waste being dumped into it. Biosurfactants are complex bioactive compounds, when synthesized by halophilic bacteria have immense applications in industries, agriculture and environment. In present study, moderately halophilic bacteria NS-1, NS-7 and NS-9 were screened positive for biosurfactant among ten strains isolated from Tithal beach. The enzyme linked with the release of this surface active molecules was found to be an esterase.  These three isolates were also found positive for the enzyme esterase. Further, efficient biosurfactant producer isolate NS-1 was recognized as Bacillus licheniformis through 16s rRNA characterization.The biosurfactant produced by NS-1 was characterized as lipopeptide by TLC and FTIR analysis. GCMS study revealed the fatty acid component as 3-methyl, 1, 2-diazirine with molecular weight 56 Da. Tithal coastal site is polluted by tourists frequently and crude oil spillage is also reported before. Moderately halophlic Bacillus licheniformis NS1 strain focused in this study was isolated from the same origin and can be used to remediate contaminated region by producing potential biosurfactant.