• Journal of Life Science
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.745-751
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• 2002

Several bacterial strains producing biosurfactants were isolated from polluted marine and soil by oil. One of the strains named LSC11 showed strong production activity of biosurfactants. This strain was identified as a Bacillus sp. LSC11 based on the morphological, biochemical, and physiological characteristics. The biosurfactant, produced by the strain, emulsified crude oil, vegetable oil, and hydrocarbons. The surface tension of the culture broth of Bacillus sp. LSC11 decreased to 32 mN/m. The crude biosurfactant was obtained from the culture broth by acid precipitation, freeze drying, solvent extraction, and evaporation. The emulsifying activity of the biosurfactant showed better than the chemically synthesized surfactant (SDS, Span40, Span 85). The biosurfactants had strong properties as an emulsifying agent and as an emulsion-stabilizing agent.