Abstract:
To determine suitable operating parameters for biosurfactant production by Pseudomonas sp.A41 using palm oil as a sole carbon and energy source in a batch fermenter. Effects of operating parameters which were pH, turbine speed, and amounts of palm oil on growth and biosurfactant production were thoroughly investigated. The experiments were, therefore, divided into two main parts which were; first, to determine suitable operating parameters. It was discovered that suitable conditions for cell growth were pH of 6.4, turbine speed of 627 rpm, and 1.0 volume percent palm oil, while conditions determined for biosurfactant production were pH of 7.5, turbine speed of 608 rpm, and 1.5 volume percent palm oil. Second, the biosurfactant obtained was further tested for its properties and it was revealed that the surfactant was heat stable at 100ํC for 70 minutes. In addition, it was found to be able to form emulsions with various types of hydrocarbons, namely; heptane, cyclohexene, hexane, kerosene, and paraffin oil. The biosurfactant produced, furthermore, was found to be constituted of rhamnose