Physicochemical and structural characterization of biosurfactant produced by Pleurotus djamor in solid-state fermentation

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds produced by several microorganisms that reduce the surface tension. Low toxicity, optimal activity in extreme conditions, biodegradability and production from several wastes are main advantages of biosurfactants as compared to synthetic surfactants. Production of biosurfactant by a white rot fungus Pleurotus djamor on sunflower seed shell in solid-state fermentation was determined by emulsification indexes, oil spreading activity and surface tension (28.82 +/- 0.3mN/m) measurement. The critical micelle concentration was detected as 0.964 +/- 0.09 mg/mL. Also, the chemical and physicochemical properties of the biosurfactant produced were investigated. Considering the results of the chemical contents analysis, HPLC, FT-IR and H-1-NMR, it can be concluded that the produced biosurfactant has a complex structure. Besides, resistance of its activity to environmental factors such as temperature, pH and salt concentration, as well as its thermal stability, were investigated. Additionally, the produced biosurfactant formed stabile emulsions with different hydrocarbons. Lastly, the performance of removing waste frying oil from contaminated sand of produced biosurfactant was detected as 76.57 +/- 6%. Owing to its high emulsification capacity, low surface tension and critical micelle concentration, the biosurfactant, shows great potential for use in hydrocarbon removal applications.