Studies of the Cell Surface Properties of Candida Species and Relation to the Production of Biosurfactants for Environmental Applications

In practical bioremediation of petroleum pollution, treatment systems often use soil, sand, and other aquifer porous media besides water solutions. The distribution of the microbial cell also plays an important role in the whole process of bioremediation; therefore, the adhesion ability of cells to porous media is one of the key factors influencing the efficiency of treatment. The probable modes of hydrocarbon uptake in cells of Candida were studied based on data for cell hydrophobicity, emulsifying activity, surface tension, and interfacial tension of the cell-free culture medium. Six Candida strains were cultivated in insoluble and soluble substrates for 144 h, including n-hexadecane, soybean oil, ground-nut oil refinery residue, corn steep liquor, and glucose. The results obtained showed the potential of yeasts for application in the removal of hydrophobic compounds. Depending the strain and substrate used the adhesion ability of yeast cells and the production of surfactants and emulsifiers can take place simultaneously, thus increasing the efficiency of bioremediation treatment of petroleum pollution. The application of crude biosurfactants separated from the yeast cells was also demonstrated by tests of removal of petroleum and the derivate motor oil adsorbed in sand samples. Biosurfactants produced in low-cost medium were able to remove 90% of the hydrophobic contaminants.