ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM KUNU (A LOCALLY FERMENTED DIARY PRODUCT) AND ITS BIOSURFACTANT POTENTIAL

ABSTRACT

The isolation and Identification of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Kunu was carried out using molecular and biochemical procedures. The culturing was done with De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) Agar. Screening of the isolated LAB for biosurfactant potential using oil displacement method was carried out and it was positive, indicating the ability of the organism to produce biosurfactant. The LAB count from Kunu ranged from 2.50 × 10⁵ Cfu/ml to0.042 × 10 ⁵ Cfu/ml. The biosurfactant extraction was done by incubating the broth for 72 h at 370c; cells were then harvested by placing the broth culture medium containing LAB isolates on a shaker for 24hrs after which it was transferred in the centrifuge tubes for centifugation (4000g, 10min). The extracted biosurfactant was effective in the cleaning and degreasing of cotton fabric stained with motor engine oil, hence it will be a good alternative to chemical surfactant as it is environmental friendly especially due to the fact that LAB are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS).