Production, characterization, and kinetic modeling of biosurfactant synthesis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa gi |KP 163922|: a mechanism perspective

Kinetic studies and modeling of production parameters are essential for developing economical biosurfactant production processes. This study will provide a perspective on mechanistic reaction pathways to metabolize Waste Engine Oil (WEO). The results will provide relevant information on (i) WEO concentration above which growth inhibition occurs, (ii) chemical changes in WEO during biodegradation, and (iii) understanding of growth kinetics for the strain utilizing complex substrates. Laboratory scale experiments were conducted to study the kinetics and biodegradation potential of the strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa gi vertical bar KP 163922 vertical bar over a range (0.5-8% (v/v)) of initial WEO concentration for 168 h. The kinetic models, such as Monod, Powell, Edward, Luong, and Haldane, were evaluated by fitting the experimental results in respective model equations. An unprecedented characterization of the substrate before and after degradation is presented, along with biosurfactant characterization. The secretion of biosurfactant during the growth, validated by surface tension reduction (72.07 +/- 1.14 to 29.32 +/- 1.08 mN/m), facilitated the biodegradation of WEO to less harmful components. The strain showed an increase in maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)) from 0.0185 to 0.1415 h(-1) upto 49.92 mg/L WEO concentration. Maximum WEO degradation was found to be similar to 94% gravimetrically. The Luong model (adj. R-2 = 0.97) adapted the experimental data using a non-linear regression method. Biochemical, H-1 NMR, and FTIR analysis of the produced biosurfactant revealed a mixture of mono- and di- rhamnolipid. The degradation compounds in WEO were identified using FTIR, H-1 NMR, and GC-MS analysis to deduce the mechanism. [GRAPHICS]

Automated summary

This study investigated the kinetics and biodegradation potential of a thermophilic strain for degrading waste engine oil. The results showed that the strain had different degradation effects on different concentrations of waste engine oil, and the biosurfactant produced facilitated the degradation process.