The increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antimicrobials has driven the search for safe and sustainable alternatives. In this context, microbial biosurfactants have gained prominence due to their antimicrobial activity, low toxicity, and high stability under extreme conditions. This study presents the production and characterization of a biosurfactant with antimicrobial potential, obtained from Bacillus subtilis isolated from soil, for application in the control of resistant strains. Bacterial identification was performed using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), confirming it as Bacillus subtilis. The strain B. subtilis UCP 1533 was cultivated using different carbon sources (glucose, soybean oil, residual frying oil, and molasses) and nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, urea, and peptone), with evaluations at 72, 96, and 120 h. The best condition involved a mineral medium supplemented with 2% soybean oil and 0.12% corn steep liquor, resulting in the production of 16 g·L⁻¹ of biosurfactant, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.3 g·L⁻¹ and a reduction in water surface tension to 25 mN·m⁻¹. The biosurfactant showed an emulsification index of 100% for used motor oil and ranged from 50% to 100% for different vegetable oils, maintaining stability across a wide range of pH, salinity, and temperature. FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed its lipopeptide nature and anionic charge. Toxicity tests with Tenebrio molitor larvae showed 100% survival at all the tested concentrations. In phytotoxicity assays, seed germination rates above 90% were recorded for Solanum lycopersicum and Lactuca sativa. Antimicrobial tests revealed inhibitory activity against resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as against species of the genus Candida (C. glabrata, C. lipolytica, C. bombicola, and C. guilliermondii), highlighting the biosurfactant as a promising alternative in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These results indicate the potential application of this biosurfactant in the development of antimicrobial agents for pharmaceutical formulations and sustainable strategies for phytopathogen control in agriculture.

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a result of different activities, such as minings, metal smelting, and car battery production. Heavy metals can cause environmental hazards such as contamination of biological systems and the subsoil through the leaching process, and various disturbances and diseases in humans, if they enter the ecosystem, due to their high environmental toxicity and difficult degradability. Non-toxic and biodegradable biological surfactant compounds, also known as biosurfactants, are being used to remediate soils contaminated by heavy metals. The objective of this review is to address the potential application of biosurfactants in the removal of heavy metals and in processes involved in bioremediation. The present study is a narrative review, consisting of a broad analysis of the literature. The searches for the articles used to compose this study were carried out in digital scientific databases, using terms and keywords. This review provides information on biosurfactant application as a promising alternative in heavy metal removal and oil spill bioremediation.

With the rampant increase of pollutants from various sources in recent decades, mainly fossil fuels, several negative consequences have been generated for the environment and human health. A sustainable alternative is to obtain energy through renewable sources such as biomass. of animal and/or vegetable origin used in the generation of energy and the manufacture of biofuels. The process of obtaining energy from biomass has two categories: traditional and modern. The main types of biofuels produced are biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, biomethane, and vegetable oil. Biofuels can be grouped into first-generation, second-generation, third-generation, and fourth-generation. Because it is renewable, it is a potentially unlimited source, as well as less harmful to the environment, generating little pollution. The main advantages are low cost; easy storage; high energy efficiency; emission of fewer polluting gases; use of renewable resources. On the other hand, there is difficulty in the storage of solid biomass; collaborates for the formation of acid rain; high cost in the acquisition of industrial equipment; and deforestation at the production site. However, biomass is gaining traction worldwide as a sustainable alternative in clean energy production, as this is an important source of renewable energy. Countries such as the United States, China, India, and Germany are among those that use biomass to produce clean energy, mainly from agricultural and forestry waste. Brazil is one of the main producers of this type of energy in the world, due to its great potential for the production of renewable raw materials. Although it is a renewable and clean source, the implementation of projects for its use faces some challenges such as collection and transportation logistics, conversion technologies, financing, and regulation. DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/alookdevelopv1-048

O Capibaribe é considerado o principal rio de Pernambuco, seu estuário encontra-se altamente impactado por ações antrópicas, principalmente por efluentes domésticos, desmatamentos e aterros. Um dos grandes problemas da relação entre rios e cidades é como resolver a questão do uso e da ocupação irregular e desordenada na faixa marginal dos rios. Este é também um dos grandes problemas da faixa do canal fluvial do rio Capibaribe em São Lourenço da Mata, resultando em despejamento de esgotos domésticos sem nenhum tratamento prévio diretamente nele, esse problema também é ocasionado devido à falta de saneamento básico no município, resultando na degradação ambiental do rio e contribuindo para a poluição de suas águas. Nesse sentido, esse trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os parâmetros microbiológicos e físico-químicos da qualidade da água do rio Capibaribe, considerando a sua relevância para Pernambuco. Para a avaliação microbiológica, foi utilizada a técnica dos tubos múltiplos e para a avaliação físico-química foram realizados testes de Oxigênio Dissolvido, pH, Condutividade Elétrica, Cloretos, Cálcio, Magnésio, Cor, Turbidez, Acidez, Nitrito, Nitrato, Amônia, Sulfato, Sólidos Totais e Dissolvidos. Como resultado percebe-se que alguns parâmetros das análises estão de acordo com a Resolução 357/05 do CONAMA, como também em conformidade com o Plano Estadual de Recursos Hídricos de Pernambuco – PERH-PE em relação ao Índice de Qualidade da Água. Porém, alguns dos parâmetros encontram-se acima do limite máximo exigido. Portanto, conclui-se que é necessária uma fiscalização mais severa em relação à qualidade microbiológica e físico-química exigidos para os recursos hídricos.

Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by microorganisms, whose amphiphilic structure enables them to reduce surface tension and stabilize emulsions. This study evaluated the production, characterization, stability, toxicity, and cleaning potential of a biosurfactant synthesized by Candida guilliermondii UCP 1592. The compound was produced in a medium containing distilled water, 2.5% corn steep liquor, and 5% residual frying oil, under agitation for 144 h. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 30 mN/m and achieved a production yield of 18 g/L. It effectively emulsified 100% of burnt motor oil, forming a stable emulsion. Toxicity tests using Tenebrio molitor and Artemia salina revealed no toxic effects, with 100% survival. In cleaning tests, the biosurfactant removed 100% of oil from glass surfaces, even at concentrations below its critical micelle concentration (CMC). For oil removal from cotton fabrics, it reached efficiencies of 91, 70, and 57% at 2 CMC (0.6 g/L), 1 CMC (0.3 g/L), and 0.5 CMC (0.15 g/L), respectively. These results demonstrate the biosurfactant’s high effectiveness, safety, and environmental compatibility, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants for cleaning and oil removal applications.