First Degree : BSc (Biochemistry) LaTrobe (Australia 1998)
Education level : Msc
Register date : Nov 2009
Research title : Production, purification and characterisation of biosurfactants from bacteria for hydrocarbon degradation
Supervisor : Prof Datin Dr Ainon Hamzah
Co-Supervisor : Prof. Dr. Salmijah Surif

Research synopsis :
Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi. Their interesting properties such as detergency, emulsification and reduction in the surface tension of water make them useful in industries like petroleum, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Although the majority of surfactants used in the market currently dominated by chemically synthesised surfactants, surfactants of microbial origin have gained greater interests due to low toxicity, biodegradability and environmental compatibility. Therefore, the research aims at screening potential biosurfactant producers form locally isolated microorganisms, optimising culture conditions for optimum biosurfactants production, characterising the biosurfactants produced and eventually studying their ability in hydrocarbon degradation. It is hoped that the biosurfactants produced by locally isolated microorganisms will be useful in various commercial applications particularly in cleaning-up areas contaminated by hydrocarbon wastes.

Publication: –
Ummul Khair Mohd Syahriansyah, Ainon Hamzah and Salmijah Surif. 2011. Screening and identification of potential biosurfactant producer from Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.Proceeding of International Conference of Malaysia Society for Microbiology. Hotel Bayview Penang..