Enhanced Production of Surfactin from <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> by Continuous Product Removal and Metal Cation Additions

TLDR

Surfactin, a lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by *Bacillus subtilis*, has been investigated for large‑scale production. Continuous foam fractionation of glucose‑fermented cultures yielded high surfactin, recoverable by acid precipitation, and the addition of iron or manganese salts further increased yield, whereas hydrocarbon addition completely suppressed production.

Abstract

The lipopeptide, surfactin, is produced by Bacillus subtilis. A study has been made on large-scale production of this surfactant. A good yield was obtained from a glucose substrate fermentation by continuously removing the product by foam fractionation. The surfactin could be easily recovered from the collapsed foam by acid precipitation. The yield was also improved by the addition of either iron or manganese salts. Hydrocarbon addition to the medium, which normally increases biosurfactant production, completely inhibited surfactin production by B. subtilis.