9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Chloe Baumgardner, Keelie Butler
Title: Detection and Characterization of Biosurfactants Produced by Marine Bacteria
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Michelle Thomas , College of Arts & Sciences

Biosurfactants are microbial produced amphipathic molecules that serve as a green alternative to synthetic surfactants used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, and agricultural industries. This project aims to detect and characterize biosurfactants produced by bacteria isolated from marine invertebrates. Biosurfactant production was detected by measuring changes in surface tension. To ascertain the ionic nature of the biosurfactant, double diffusion and Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) methylene blue assays were performed; preliminary results suggest the molecules being produced are anionic in nature. This research contributes towards a fuller understanding of biosurfactant production by marine microorganisms and their potential industrial applications.