Production of surfactin by Bacillus pumilus UFPEDA 448 in solid-state fermentation using a medium based on okara with sugarcane bagasse as a bulking agent

► Solid-state fermentation (SSF) of okara with sugarcane bagasse as a bulking agent. ► Highest surfactin level obtained in SSF with a non-recombinant organism. ► Okara pre-hydrolysis stimulates surfactin levels in submerged culture but not in SSF. ► Cultivation temperature affects the relative proportions of surfactin homologues. ► Similar tensioactive properties for surfactin produced in SSF and submerged culture.