Biosurfactant production and application in agroindustrial wastes

• Grant number: 11/18426-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Vanildo Luiz Del Bianchi
• Grantee: Vanildo Luiz Del Bianchi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São José do Rio Preto
• Associated researchers: Gisele Ferreira Bueno

Abstract

The biosurfactants, produced from microrganisms, are compounds with low toxicity and high biodegradability with ability to reduce surface and interfacial tensions. Being more biodegradable compared with those of chemical origin, they are most appropriate for application in biological treatment systems, assisting in the bioavailability of oil and greases found in some industrial effluents from food source. This study aims to optimize the biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis through distinct substrates in solid state fermentation and to use the biosurfactant produced in biological treatment of industrial effluents containing oil and greases. It will be used three different substrates: wheat bran, cassava bagasse and "crueira". Fermentation will occur in polyethylene bags with 10 grams of solid substrate plus glycerol and a volumn of buffer phosphate in order to obtain 40, 60 and 80% humidity, incubated at 37 ° C for 96 hours. Analysis of surface tension, critical micelle concentration, emulsification index and emulsifier activity will be made. After optimization, the best results for biosurfactant production will be applied at concentrations of 2, 5 and 8% for the anaerobic treatment of dairy, slaughterhouse and "manipueira" wastewater. (AU)