Potential applications of biosurfactants produced by different Pseudomonas syringae: A comparative study on interfacial activity, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytotoxicity

Abstract

Finding novel biocompatible compounds with adequate interfacial activity and low toxicity still represents a great challenge for the scientific community. In this context, this work aims to compare for the first time the potential applications of biosurfactants produced by three Pseudomonas syringae pathovars: P. syringae pv tabaci (TA), P. syringae pv tomato (TO) and P. syringae pv syringae (SY). Isolated lipopeptides proved excellent emulsifying activity against a great variety of hydrocarbons and vegetable oils. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations against the pathogenic strain Staphylococcus aureus were observed for the biosurfactants produced by TA and SY (0.375 mg/mL). Non-cytotoxic effects were observed for concentrations of up to 10 mg/mL for these BS, and they proved differential cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. These results open perspectives for the application of these surfactants as low-toxic bioemulsifiers and biotherapeutics.