Optimization and characterization of a glycolipid produced by Achromobacter sp. to use in petroleum industries.

A biosurfactant, produced by Achromobacter sp. TMB1 is reported through this investigation having physiochemical properties useful for operational and remedial activities in petroleum industries. The strain isolated from soils of local petrol pumps when allowed to grow in glucose containing mineral salts media (MSM) in ambient environment that is, 30 °C and varying pH in between 5.5 and 7.2, showed surface tension reduction as low as 34.25 dyne cm-1 at an interval of 48-72 h. Taguchi experiment confirmed the contribution of glucose, yeast extracts, and NaNO3 concentration on biosurfactant production. FTIR and 1 H NMR analysis of culture supernatant obtained after acid precipitation and solvent extraction methods revealed the glycolipid nature of the extracted compounds. HR-LCMS study further revealed the presence of 10 different types of mono- and di-rhamnolipids congeners with the fatty acids carbon length C8-12 . The isolated biosurfactant shows functional stability in the temperature range 20-100 °C and pH range 2-12 while maintaining the structural integrity till 550 °C (TGA-DSC), strongly suggests its potential applications in petroleum industries.