Biosurfactant produced by Mucor circinelloides UCP 0017 isolated from mangrove and stability under extreme conditions

This study investigated the production and physicochemical characterization of a biosurfactant synthesized by Mucor circinelloides UCP 0017, isolated from mangrove sediment in Pernambuco, using corn steep liquor and waste frying soybean oil as alternative substrates. The microorganism exhibited high surfactant capacity, reducing surface tension from 41.8 to 31.0 mN/m over 96 h of cultivation. The biosurfactant maintained stability across a wide pH range (3–9), high saline concentrations (5–25% NaCl), and extreme temperatures (4–120 °C), demonstrating structural robustness. The cell-free metabolic liquid presented a critical micelle dilution (CMD) of 40% with a surface tension of 31 mN/m, while the isolated biosurfactant showed a Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of 900 mg/L. Extraction by precipitation with 70% ethanol in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio showed the highest yield (10.33 g/L). Biochemical characterization indicated a glycolipid with 74.22% lipids, 18.38% carbohydrates, and 7.40% proteins, with an anionic profile (Zeta potential of –23.13 mV). FTIR analysis indicated the presence of amide groups and saccharide functions, suggesting a glycolipid nature. The results demonstrate the biotechnological potential of the biosurfactant for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.