RodrÃguez López L
University of Vigo, Spain
Title: Effect of biosurfactants obtained from different sources on pathogenic microorganisms
Biography
Biography: RodrÃguez López L
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds with surface properties produced by microorganisms or obtained from biological cells. They have not only the same applications than their synthetic counterparts but also better characteristics in terms of biocompatibility and biodegradation. Although they have been proved in different areas such as bioremediation, their uses are increasing in food and cosmetic formulations. In these areas, microbiology properties are one of the most important parameter to control, so it is necessary to evaluate biosurfactants behavior in presence of microorganisms.
Methodology: Two biosurfactant extracts were produced following the methodologies established by Vecino et al. one obtained from corn steep liquor (CSL) and the other from Lactobacillus pentosus. Both biosurfactants were diluted up to 1 g/L of and put in contact with a known concentration of pathogenic microorganisms including Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, at 22.5 ºC. The effect of these biosurfactants on the microorganism growth was evaluated each 7 days during a month. The culture conditions for obtaining the inoculum of each microorganism were reflected.
Findings: The experiment carried out with biosurfactant from CSL, showed antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and A. brasiliensis, thus the concentration of microorganisms was reduced from 2*106 and 2*104 UFC/mL, to 1 and 4*103 UFC/mL, respectively. In the case of C. albicans, the amount of colonies slightly increased from 2*104 to 8*104 UFC/mL. For the biosurfactant from L. pentosus, the behavior observed was completely different, thus the number of colonies did not change significantly in any of the pathogens tested.
Conclusion & Significance: These results have demonstrated interesting effects of biosurfactant extract from CSL against pathogenic microorganisms, what is in concordance to its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the biosurfactant from L. pentosus showed lower antimicrobial activity.