Process Optimization for Maximizing Biosurfactant Yields from Alcaligenes Spp.

• Author(s): Onwukwe, C. D. ; Stanley, H. O. ; Ogugbue, C. J. ; Ukanwa, C. C.
• Paper ID: 1709321
• Page: 1377-1394
• Published Date: 25-06-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

This study investigates the optimization of biosurfactant production from indigenous bacterial isolates, Alcaligenes spp. (SC22 and SC24), sourced from the hydrocarbon-impacted Niger Delta region. Biosurfactants, characterized by their amphiphilic properties, represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants in diverse environmental and industrial applications, particularly in the bioremediation of oil-contaminated sites. The research employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) to systematically enhance biosurfactant yields. Key nutritional and physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, salinity, and substrate concentration, were optimized. Molecular identification confirmed the isolates as Alcaligenes faecalis (SC22) and Alcaligenes ammonioxydans (SC24). Findings reveal significant improvements in biosurfactant production under optimized conditions. Optimal parameters typically ranged from 32.5°C–35°C temperature, pH 6.5–7, approximately 3% salinity, and 15%–20% substrate concentration. Sugar molasses proved to be a more favorable carbon source, supporting higher emulsification activities. The Alcaligenes sp. (SC24) strain consistently demonstrated superior biosurfactant production potential, achieving a peak emulsification index of 89.679%. The quadratic model effectively explained the emulsification, highlighting complex interactive effects. These results underscore the promising potential of these indigenous strains for effective and environmentally friendly bioremediation strategies.

Keywords

Biosurfactants, Niger Delta, optimization, RSM, Alcaligenes spp. and Sugar molasses.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Onwukwe, C. D. , Stanley, H. O. , Ogugbue, C. J. , Ukanwa, C. C. "Process Optimization for Maximizing Biosurfactant Yields from Alcaligenes Spp." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 1377-1394

IEEE:
Onwukwe, C. D. , Stanley, H. O. , Ogugbue, C. J. , Ukanwa, C. C. "Process Optimization for Maximizing Biosurfactant Yields from Alcaligenes Spp." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)