Surface-active potential of biosurfactants produced in curd whey by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain-PP2 and Kocuria turfanesis strain-J at extreme environmental conditions

Surface-active potential of biosurfactants produced cost-effectively in curd whey by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain-PP2 and Kocuria turfanesis strain-J were tested using parameters viz. surface tension (ST) reduction, FCMC (highest dilution factor to reach critical micelle concentration) and emulsification index (EI-24) of pesticides; monocrotophos and imidacloprid at extreme environmental conditions. Results have shown that ST reduction of biosurfactants was stable at pH 2–11. High FCMC of the biosurfactant in the fermented whey at low pH improved emulsification of pesticides. ST marginally increased at 5% and 15% NaCl, resulting in high EI-24 and FCMC. Over a range of temperatures 30–121 °C, ST remained low with a higher FCMC and EI-24 at 60 °C than at 121 and 30 °C. The biosurfactants have shown differences in their surface-active property and have marked specificity to emulsify pesticides in extreme environmental conditions.

► Novel strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa PP2 and Kocuria turfanesis J for biosurfactant production. ► Excellent surface active potential of biosurfactants. ► Curd whey as a raw material for biosurfactants. ► Emulsification of water insoluble substrates under extremes of environmental by biosurfactants. ► Biosurfactants can be useful in remediation of pesticides contaminated soils.