Biosurfactant Production From Waste Frying Oil: Process Optimization and Physicochemical Characterization of Surface Properties

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the development of a cost‐effective bioprocess for biosurfactant production, encompassing process optimization and physicochemical characterization. Surface tension reduction and oil dispersion activity were evaluated, highlighting its strong potential for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation. In this context, we evaluate the stability of the biosurfactant under extreme physicochemical conditions by measurement of the surface tension and oil dispersion activities. Overall, the lipopeptide biosurfactant derived from the NP11‐strain exhibited remarkable physicochemical stability under a wide range of pH from 2 to 10, salinity from 0% to 5% NaCl, and temperature from 4°C to 90°C. Having great interest, waste frying oil was valorized as a low‐cost carbon source for the economical production of the biosurfactant. A Plackett–Burman experimental design was applied to identify the most influential factors and determine their optimal levels for enhanced production. The optimized conditions were defined and validated based on key performance indicators, including maximal surface tension decrease, enhanced engine oil dispersion capacity, and increased biosurfactant yield. Significant variation in surface tension values was recorded with values ranging from 28.2 to 36.5 mN/m, corresponding to ST decrease values ranging from 59.71% to 47.85%.