Isolation and Screening of Biosurfactants Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Strain from Bhatabharu, an Indian Traditional Fermented Food.

Background:Biosurfactants derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce eco-friendly biosurfactants with antimicrobial, antiadhesive, and antibiofilm properties. Materials and methods:LAB strains isolated from Bhatabaru were screened for biosurfactant production using multiple assays, including drop collapse, hemolytic activity, oil displacement, surface activity, and emulsifying activity. The selected strain was morphologically characterized by Gram staining and microscopy and identified through biochemical assays and 16S rRNA sequencing using Gene Tool software. Results:The strain Bht-2 was determined to be Gram-positive, coccus-shaped, and nonendospore-forming. Biochemical and molecular analyses confirmed its identity as Enterococcus faecalis, which exhibited significant biosurfactant production. Conclusions:Enterococcus faecalis Bht-2 exhibits strong potential as a biosurfactant-producing LAB strain. Its desirable physicochemical and biofunctional traits underscore its applicability in biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and industrial domains as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic surfactants.