Biosurfactants

In the subject biosurfactants we are cooperating with italian partner in Institute of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition CNR :

http://prostab2014.wix.com/mae-italia-polonia

 Isolation and characterization of biosurfactants

pseudofactin structureBiosurfactants, amphiphilic compounds, synthesized by microorganisms such as bacteria, and fungi have surface and antimicrobial properties. Microbial surfactants are in most cases low-molecular mass compounds such as lipopeptides, glycolipids, and phospholipids or high-molecular mass lipoproteins, lipopolysaccharides, proteins, polysaccharides and biopolymer complexes.  

In the Biotransformation laboratory isolated bacterial and yeast strains from fresh water and soil of Spitsbergen (Arctic) and identificated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Investigated microorganisms are psychotolerat strains, not grow at temperatures above 30oC and have a broad spectrum of metabolic specificities e.g. a secretion of biosurfactants.

The arctic strain Pseudomonas fluorescens BD5 secreted the biosurfactant – pseudofactin –cyclic lipopeptide.  Pseudofactin II reduced the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 31.5 mN/m at a concentration of 72 mg/l. Its emulsification activity and stability was greater than that of the synthetic surfactants Tween 20 and Triton X-100.

Moreover pseudofactin prevents adhesion and biofilms formation by uropathogenic bacteria and fungi on various surfaces (plastic, silicone and glass).

  • Biosurfactants

    We identified chemical structures of newly isolated biosurfactants which are secreted by Arctic microorganisms. We are investigating their antibacterial, antifungal properties as well as proapoptotic activity. Biosurfactants can be used as an antiseptics.

  • Biogas

    We are investigating and optimizing the efficiency of metanogenesis in bioreactors. We are also testing various substrates (industrial waste) as materials for biogas production. Microorganisms which participate in this process are investigated as e.g. biofilm producers.

  • Bacteriophages

    Bacteriophages or phages are bacterial viruses. We isolated and are now investigating phages which kill Bacillus strains. Beside the basic research, the collection of phages can be used in industry as for example eliminators of infections.

  • Antiseptics

    Fungal infections are difficult to treat because of the small number of effective drugs. Candida albicans resistance depends on the activity of ABC transporters (MDR, CDR). We have investigated strains and methods for finding new antifungal compounds (synthetic and natural) e.g. probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.