Characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Tw226 strain and its use for the production of a new membrane-bound biosurfactant

This study aimed to evaluate the viability for biotechnological uses of a new cell-bound biosurfactant produced by a lactic acid bacterium isolated from the intestinal tract of Odontesthes bonariensis. For this purpose, the bacterial strain was characterized, and the conditions for biosurfactant production were optimized. Moreover, the biosurfactant was chemically characterized, and its possible use as an emulsifying agent assessed. The bacterium was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Tw226 and qualified as safe for biotechnological uses according to the genomic and antibiotic resistance studies. The agitation did not influence the biosurfactant productivity, which reached its maximum value, using MRS medium as a nutrient source, before 48 h of incubation at a temperature of 35 °C. The glyco-lipo-peptide nature of the biosurfactant was confirmed by the analysis of its chemical composition. It showed stable surface activity in the pH range of 5–7 and a remarkable functionality as an emulsifier, especially in emulsions containing NaCl.