Evaluation of bioemulsifier production by <i>Comamonas sp. CBJ1 </i> isolated from oil-contaminated soil

Abstract

<i>Comamonas sp.</i> <i>CBJ1</i> isolated from oil-contaminated soil was evaluated for bioemulsifier production in phosphate buffered mineral salt medium with different carbon substrates, viz. coconut oil, sesame oil and n-hexadecane. Bioemulsifier production in culture broth was assessed using emulsification assay and surface tension analysis. Highest emulsification activity was observed on day 1 in case of coconut oil supplemented broth while in case of sesame oil and n-hexadecane supplemented medium the highest emulsification activity was observed on 2^nd and 5^th day, respectively. Bioemulsifier produced with coconut oil supplemented medium found effective in emulsification with other substrates. The yield of bioemulsifier produced by <i>Comamonas sp.</i> <i>CBJ1</i> was more in medium supplemented with coconut oil (1.6 g/L) than that of in sesame oil (1.0g/L) and n-hexadecane (0.31g/L).