Isolation of Biosurfactant Producing Pediococcus pentosacaeus from Laboratory Controlled (Simulated) Fermentation of Indian Wheat-based Seera

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules produced by certain micro-organisms that have numerous applications in diverse sectors. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are preferred over other biosurfactant producing micro-organism due to their Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. The current study aims to isolate and screen biosurfactant producing LAB from laboratory controlled fermentation of Indian wheat-based Seera. Biosurfactant-producing isolates were screened by a battery of tests including drop collapse assay, surface activity, hemolytic activity, and emulsifying activity. The strain S-2 with better emulsification index i.e. 63.27±0.08, surface activity i.e 42.32±0.17, and biosurfactant yield i.e. 1.2±0.02g/L was chosen for further characterization. Morphological characterization of the strain S-2 was carried out and the strain was found to be gram-positive, coccus shaped, and lack endospore. Biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the selected strain as Pediococcus pentosacaeus.