Rhamnolipid
is the main group of biosurfactants predominantly produced
by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a ubiquitous
and opportunistic pathogen, which limits its large-scale exploitation.
Thus, cost-effective rhamnolipid production from a newly isolated
nonpathogenic Enterobacter sp. UJS-RC was investigated.
The highest rhamnolipid production (4.4 ± 0.2 g/L) was achieved
in a medium constituting agroindustrial wastes (sugarcane molasses
and corn steep liquor) as substrates. Rhamnolipid exhibited reduced
surface tension to 72–28 mN/m with an emulsification index
of 75%. The structural analyses demonstrated the presence of methoxyl,
carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups in rhamnolipid. Mass spectra indicated
eight rhamnolipid congeners, where dirhamnolipid (m/z 650.01) was the dominant congener. Rhamnolipid
inhibited biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner, supported by scanning electron microscopy
disclosing the disruption of the microcolony/exopolysaccharide matrix.
Rhamnolipid’s ability to generate reactive oxygen species has
thrown light on the mechanism through which the killing of test bacteria
may occur.
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