Abstract
A biosurfactant exhibiting excellent emulsification activity and surface properties was isolated during growth ofSerratia marcescens on 2% (w/v) sucrose. Reduction in surface tension values and increase in the yield of biosurfactant during the late log phase of growth indicates that the biosurfactant is a secondary microbial metabolite. The biosurfactant formed stable emulsions with a wide variety of hydrocarbons. The isolated surface-active compound has a potential application in enhanced oil recovery and is stable over a wide range of temperatures (10-120‡C) and pH (2-12). This is the first report of effective and stable emulsion formation by a strain ofSerratia marcescens.
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Pruthi, V., Cameotra, S.S. Production of a biosurfactant exhibiting excellent emulsification and surface active properties bySerratia marcescens . World J Microbiol Biotechnol 13, 133–135 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02770821
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02770821