Exploring biosurfactant production by bacteria for bioremediation purposes

• Grant number: 24/02763-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 25, 2024
• End date: October 11, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Elen Aquino Perpetuo
• Grantee: Letícia Carvalho Eustáquio Costa
• Supervisor: Debora Frigi Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Houston (UH), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/16544-9 - Biodegradation of used motor oil, BP.IC

Abstract

This project is the application for a research internship abroad (BEPE) as an extension of an ongoing scientific initiation project (FAPESP nº 2022/16544-9) in Brazil. The primary goal is to explore the bioremediation potential of Bacillus strains isolated from used motor oil and hydrocarbon-contaminated sites, focusing on their effectiveness in solving automotive oil pollution. The research also aims to assess these strains' environmentally sustainable aspects and biosurfactant-producing capabilities. Biosurfactants, exemplified by surfactin from Bacillus, offer biodegradable alternatives to synthetic surfactants. Applications include micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration for heavy metal removal from contaminated water. The study characterizes biosurfactants produced by a Bacillus sp. from a used engine oil bottle rim and a bacterial consortium from Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis will compare their features with those previously studied for used motor oil bioremediation. The proposed activities will be held at the University of Houston and supervised by Professor Dr. Debora F. Rodrigues. She is specialized in genes related to PCBs and hydrocarbon degradation, focusing on bioremediation and environmental microbiology in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which covers the study programs such as innovative water treatment technologies, investigation of microbial biotechnologies, and design of remediation technologies for various environmental systems.