Glycolipid Biosurfactant from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Produced from Agro-Industrial Waste: Characterization and Potential Application as a Surfactant

The present study addresses the production and characterization of a biosurfactant for application in the surfactant industry. The bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia UCP 1601 was used to produce a biosurfactant through the reuse of agro-industrial waste as substrates, including glycerol, corn steep liquor, and waste soybean frying oil. Characterizations of the biomolecule produced were performed, including surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC), zeta potential, FTIR, and determination of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The foaming activity and hemolytic activity were evaluated. The biosurfactant exhibited a surface tension of 31 mN/m and a CMC of 1.3 g/L, with an anionic chemical nature and a glycolipid biochemical profile. The foaming activity showed 75% efficiency at 0 min at a concentration of 10% of the produced biomolecule. Hemolytic activity was positive for alpha-type hemolysis, indicating low toxicity for human use. The results point to a functional biomolecule with potential application in the surfactant industry, in addition to presenting a sustainable production process that contributes to the SDGs, particularly Goals 12 and 13.