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Microbial biosurfactant - physiology, biochemistry, and applications

Journal Article · · Dev. Ind. Microbiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5854687
A bacterial soil isolate H-13A was isolated which produces a cellular and extra-cellular glycolipid surfactant. Glycolipid is synthesized only during growth on n-alkanes (C12 ..-->.. C20). The glycolipid contains disaccharide, glycerol, amino sugar, N-acylated, and O-acylated fatty acids. Cellular glycolipid is characterized by saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids; whereas extracellular glycolipid contains saturated fatty acids and 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The hexadecane-derived glycolipid exhibits an interfacial-tension value of 2.0 x 10/sup -2/ dynes/cm at an effective alkane carbon number equivalent to decane. Addition of pentanol as a cosurfactant reduces the interfacial tension to 6.0 x 10/sup -5/ dynes/cm with an effective alkane carbon number equivalent to undecane. The glycolipid is effective in the reduction of heavy crude-oil viscosity by formation of stable oil-in-water emulsions with improved rheological properties. Growth of H-13A on Monagas crude ion results in a 95% reduction in oil viscosity. This glycolipid biosurfactant exhibits applicability to the transport, pipelining, processing, and recovery of heavy crude oils. 18 references, 1 figure, 4 tables.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Georgia, Athens
DOE Contract Number:
AS19-81BC10507
OSTI ID:
5854687
Journal Information:
Dev. Ind. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Dev. Ind. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 25:2; ISSN DIMCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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