Biosurfactants from marine microrganisms: selection, production and application

• Grant number: 10/15395-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2010
• End date: November 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Nitschke
• Grantee: Marcia Nitschke
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fabiana Fantinatti Garboggini ; Valeria Maia Merzel

Abstract

The aim of the project is to select marine microorganisms able to sinthesize biosurfactants from alternative low cost substrates. The selected bacterial isolates will be identified and biosurfactant production studied in laboratory scale. The biosurfactants will be isolated and their physico-chemical properties (surface tension, interfacial tension and CMC) determined. The potential use of the products as emulsifiers and for remediation of crude oil will be also investigated. (AU)