In the quest for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to replace synthetic surfactants, a team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough by isolating a novel endophytic bacterium from a hardy plant species. The study, led by Piotr Drożdżyński from the Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology at Lodz University of Technology, has identified a strain of Bacillus velezensis EL that produces lipopeptides, which are emerging as promising alternatives to synthetic surfactants due to their biodegradability and low toxicity.
The research, published in the journal ‘Microbial Cell Factories’, focuses on Euphorbia cyparissias L., commonly known as pine spurge, a plant known for its resilience to environmental stresses. The scientists hypothesized that the plant’s ability to thrive in degraded soils might be attributed to the presence of specialist endophytic microorganisms. Their hypothesis proved correct with the isolation of Bacillus velezensis EL, which exhibited high biosurfactant activity, including emulsification, oil dispersion, and surface tension reduction.
“Endophytic microorganisms, especially those adapted to degraded environments, represent a valuable and underexplored reservoir of such bioactive compounds,” said Drożdżyński. The team’s whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation identified thirteen biosynthetic gene clusters, including nonribosomal peptide synthetase pathways responsible for lipopeptide production. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed characteristic functional groups of lipopeptides, while ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry validated the presence of surfactin and bacillomycin homologs.
The implications for the agriculture sector are substantial. Lipopeptides produced by Bacillus velezensis EL could be used in various applications, from bioremediation to plant protection and soil health improvement. The study’s process optimization using the Taguchi design significantly enhanced production, yielding 3.841 g/L of crude biosurfactant under optimal conditions. The product exhibited strong surface activity, with high emulsifying and oil displacement performance, and favorable biochemical composition with high protein content.
This research not only highlights Bacillus velezensis EL as a promising producer of lipopeptide biosurfactants but also identifies Euphorbia cyparissias L. as a novel and ecologically significant host plant harboring endophytes with industrial biotechnological potential. The findings support further development of endophyte-based systems for sustainable biosurfactant production, paving the way for more environmentally friendly practices in agriculture and other industries.
As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainability, this study offers a glimpse into the potential of endophytic microorganisms as a source of innovative and eco-friendly solutions. The research team’s work is a testament to the importance of exploring underexplored reservoirs of bioactive compounds and the potential they hold for shaping the future of agriculture and biotechnology.