Potency of oil sludge bacteria as a producer of biosurfactant and antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Sari M, Afiati F, Kusharyoto W. 2015. Potential of bacteria isolated from oil sludge as biosurfactant produecrs and antimicrobial agents. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1 (1): 85-88. Glycolipid compounds produced by bacteria isolated from oil sludge have potential as biosurfactant and antimicrobial agents. Hemolysis test in blood agar plate was conducted as a preliminary observation to confirm the ability of the isolates in biosurfactant production. For further examination, five bacterial isolates were cultivated on YM medium using olive oil as a stimulant to release extracellular surfactant (biosurfactant). Qualitative test of biosurfactant production was conducted using thin layer chromatography (TLC). This study aims to screen the potential of bacterial isolates from oil sludge as biosurfactant producers and antibacterial agents. Results from the chemical identity test showed the positive reaction of anthrone reagent (indicated by the yellow spot on the TLC plate). This test revealed the presence of bioactive surfactant compound from the bacterial extracts. All extracts showed potential as biosurfactants producers and inhibited the growth of microbial pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.