First Degree : BSc (Biochemistry), UKM (2007)
Education level : Phd
Register date : Dec 2009
Research title : Screening and characterization of biosurfactant produced by bacterial isolate from hydrocarbon-contaminated sites
Supervisor : Prof Datin Dr Ainon Hamzah
Co-Supervisor : Prof. Dr. Shahidan Radiman

Research synopsis :
Biosurfactants can be found as extracellular compounds or as part of the cell membrane components in microorganisms. Structurally, it consist of a polar or hydrophilic domain composed of carbohydrates, amino acids, phosphate, carboxylic acid or alcohol. The non polar or hydophobic domains are usually long-chain fatty acids, hydroxyl fatty acid or α-alkyl-β-hydroxyl fatty acid. This amphiphilic structure enables biosurfactant to reduce the surface tension between water/oil interface and allows the formation of emulsion. The emulsion forming ability of biosurfactants are widely utilised in food processing and pharmaceuticals industries due to its low in toxicity and biodegrability. In addition, biosurfactant particularly improves the procurement of waste oil process (Enhanced Oil Recovery, EOR). The main objective of this research is to screen bacteria locally isolated with biosurfactant producing potential and to optimize the biosurfactant production. The biosurfactant will then be futher characterised in terms of emulsification stability and structural analysis. The biosurfactant produced by bacteria can serve as alternative source to replace synthetic surfactant, with greater market potential since it is more environmentally friendly.

Publication: –
Noramiza Sabturani, Ainon Hamzah and Shahidan Radiman. 2011. Characterization of biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa UKMP14T. Proceeding of International Conference of Malaysia Society for Microbiology. Hotel Bayview Penang.