Identification of surfactin lipopeptides isoforms produced by a newly isolated strain Bacillus sp. MI27 with potential use as main ingredients in detergent formulation: Application of mixture design for the formulation of a bio-based detergent

MI27 BioS: Biosurfactant produced by Bacillus sp. MI27

Detergents are mainly composed of surfactants that represent the active ingredient with a percentage ranging from 15 to 50% of all ingredients consisting of a set of chemicals called adjuvant (Mnif et al. 2023). Other compounds such as fragrances and optical brighteners are also added (Mnif et al. 2023). Notably, the surfactant activity has great importance on the properties and effectiveness of detergent formulations (Mnif et al. 2023). Having an amphiphilic character, surfactants tend to aggregate at the interface between two different phases (for example air/water, water/stain and stain/tissue) (Ranji et al. 2019; Cheng et al. 2020). There, the polar hydrophilic part is then directed inwards thus creating a discontinuity in the surface film (Ranji et al. 2019; Cheng et al. 2020). This causes a decrease in the surface tension (ST) of the solvent (Ranji et al. 2019; Cheng et al. 2020).

Generally, the main purpose of detergents is to clean the laundry, in other words, to remove all types of dirt. The secondary functions correspond to technical performance consisting of preserving or restoring the flexibility of linen, reviving colors, etc. Whereas, tertiary functions are called hedonic because they are associated with the pleasure that the consumer may experience during or after the use of the product (Ranji et al. 2019; Mnif et al. 2023). Moreover, the satisfaction of contributing to the respect of the environment by purchasing a product formulated from completely biodegradable ingredients and made from renewable natural resources is also needed. In fact, as petrochemical-derived surfactants cause great toxicity and damage to consumers and the environment (Giagnorio et al. 2017), we opt for the use of microbial-derived surfactants for the formulation of detergents (Ng et al. 2022; Sharma et al. 2022; Zahed et al. 2022).

Generally, BioS are characterized by a high structural diversity with amphiphilic character. They are subdivided into two parts; a polar hydrophilic moiety (peptides or proteins, mono or polysaccharides) and an apolar hydrophobic part composed of hydroxylated fatty acids (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a, 2015b). In addition, they are endowed by numerous functional properties including the power to reduce surface and interfacial tension, oil dispersion, emulsifying, foaming, solubilizing and wetting activities along with a low critical micelle concentration (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a, 2015b). These different capacities play an important role in what is called detergent power (Ranji et al. 2019; Cheng et al. 2020; Mnif et al. 2023). In addition, they are highly specific, biodegradable, non-toxic, biocompatible with the environment and less sensitive to biotopes of extreme temperatures, pH and salinity (Zahed et al. 2022; Mnif et al. 2023). As a result, BioS are classified as cleaning and bleaching products, whether domestic or industrial use (Mnif et al. 2023). Accordingly, the use of BioS for the production of household detergents, hygiene, beauty and well-being products could contribute to more than 56.8% of the global BioS market in 2018 (Mnif et al. 2023).

Lipopeptides BioS, constituted by a peptide moiety linked to a fatty acid chain, are among the most popular microbial surfactants with interesting properties (Carolin et al. 2021). In this aim, we propose in the present work to purify and identify lipopeptides BioS produced by a newly isolated strain Bacillus sp. MI27 (unpublished work). We apply an anionic exchange chromatography followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). It is within this particular framework that the present work is situated; we tried to use MI27 BioS in the formulation of liquid detergent as a substitute for chemical surfactant. We opt initially to determine the washing ability of motor oil, petroleum and mayonnaise. After that, we formulate a new BioS-based liquid wash formula by applying a mixture design. The main constituents are MI27 BioS in combination with calcium phosphate (CP) and silicate as inorganic and organic complexants and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as an emulsifying agent. The measurements of the ST reduction power, its motor oil washing capacity and oil washing capacity allow for the effectiveness of the optimized formula.

Burned engine oil and diesel oil utilized in the present study were purchased from a local Mechanic's station in Sfax (Tunisia).

The BioS-producing bacterial strain Bacillus sp. MI27 was streaked on an Lauria Bertani (LB) agar medium and incubated overnight at 37°C. Inoculum culture was prepared by dispersing one loop of cells in 50 ml LB medium (10 g/L peptone, 5.0 g/L yeast extract, 5.0 g/L NaCl). The mixture was then incubated at 37°C with shaking at 180 rpm for 18 h. For BioS production, 50 mL of sucrose-based medium was inoculated by an overnight inoculum at 4 ℅. The production media was composed of 20.0 g/L sucrose, 5.0 g/L yeast extract, 1.5 g/L KH₂PO₄, 0.1 g/L KCL, 0.5 g/L MgSO₄, 0.008 g/L FeSO₄, 0.05 g/L CaCl₂, 0.1 g/L KCl and traces elements (Cu, Mn, Zn, Br) and the pH was adjusted to 7.0 (Mnif et al. 2021a, 2021b). The culture medium was incubated for 24 h under agitation at 150 rpm followed by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm and 10 min to recuperate the supernatant and discard the cell pellet.

To recuperate the most BioS produced, we perform two cycles of acid precipitation–centrifugation–neutralization according to the protocol described by Mnif et al. (2021a, 2021b, 2022). Each time, the resulting BioS pellets were washed twice with acid distilled water (pH = 2) to eliminate impurities. They were then solubilized in distilled water and the pH was adjusted to 8.0 using 1 N NaOH to dissolve most of the lipopeptide compounds. The obtained BioS extract was lyophilized, which served as the raw lipopeptide product for identifying the produced isoforms after purification, studying the washing capacity of the BioS and formulating the detergent.

Having an anionic character, the raw lipopeptide extract was administered to a low-pressure chromatography column packed with Q Sefinose Resin (Bio Basic). The column was primarily equilibrated in 50 mM Tris-HCl and pH 8. For the elution, separate fractions were harvested every 5 min accompanied by the measure of the optical density at 280 nm (Bechard et al. 1998). The elution was done by a NaCl gradient ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 M in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH = 8). The flow rate is 1.0 ml/min.

The different fractions were subjected to the evaluation of the oil dispersing activity (ODA) according to the protocol described by Mnif et al. (2021a, 2021b). It was determined by the measurement of the area of dispersion of crude oil on the surface of water engendered by the surface active compounds. Active fractions were grouped and subjected to acid precipitation–centrifugation to collect the purified BioS pellets that were dissolved separately in alkaline ultrapure water (pH = 8.0). The retention of surface active compounds was verified by ODA measurement. After that, they were lyophilized to be fractionated by HPLC and identified by HPLC-MS.

To identify the lipopeptides isoforms, the lyophilized BioS was re-suspended in a mixture of acetonitrile and water (75:25) at a concentration of 20 mg/mL, vortexed, sonicated for 10 min and centrifuged at 6,000 rpm for an additional 10 min. Two liquid phases and a precipitate were formed (an upper, colorless phase consisting of acetonitrile and a lower brownish phase containing a brown precipitate). The upper phase revealed the presence of peptide compounds detected at 220 nm by UV and MS, both in the HPLC and HPLC-MS, while the lower phase produced very poor signals.

The electro-spray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS) were performed with a single quadrupole detector coupled to an HPLC equipped with a Phenomenex C18 reverse phase (0.46 × 25 cm) column packed with octadecylsiloxane of 5 μm diameter particle. Elution was carried out at a flow rate of 1 ml/min using linear gradients of 0.1% CHOOH/H₂O (A) and 0.1% CHOOH/ACN (B) (the gradient method was as follows: 0–2 min, 50% B; 2–15 50–100% B; 15–30 min, keeping 100% B, injection volume 20 μl). Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry full scan positive and negative mode was conducted in the range from 100 m/z to 1,800 Dalton.

After washing and drying, the tissues contaminated with motor oil, petroleum and mayonnaise, the whiteness indices were measured using a spectrophotometer (Color Eye 7000A, Gretag Macbeth).

In order to optimize a new formula of automatic washing machine based on the MI27 BioS, we adopted a mixing plan with four factors to optimize the amount of the active ingredient (BioS, X1), the amount of sodium silicate (Na₂Si₂O₅, X2), the amount of CMC (X3) and the amount of calcium phosphate (CaPO₄, X4).

The matrix described by the Nemrodw software (LAPREI) contains 13 experiments with 5 different levels for MI27 BioS, of which these different levels are between 0.1 and 0.2. We used BioS levels less than or equal to 0.2 in order to minimize its quantity given its fairly high production cost. However, 7 different levels between 0 and 1 are assigned for the other 3 factors. Each experiment consisted of a formula whose sum of the different constituents is equal to 1 g corresponding to 1%. However, liquid lye is prepared at a concentration of 20%. Thus, the matrix of experiments in coded and real variables representing the composition of each formula is listed in Table 1. The coded variables indicate the composition of 1 g of ingredients and the actual variables indicate the percentage of the different ingredients to prepare 100 ml of liquid lye. During the washing tests, the detergent was diluted 100 times in the washing bath. Washing tests were realized with 60 ml tap water in which 600 μl liquid lye was dissolved. Tap water was used to simulate washing conditions with the automatic machine. The washing test takes 30 min under a shaking of 700 rpm. After that, the washing capacity is determined as described above.

The analysis of the results of the experimental plans is carried out by the Nemrodw software package version 2017 (LPRAI, Marseille, France). The various charts of the biochemical characterization of the MI27 BioS and the study of its washing capacity are carried out with the Excel software package version 2007.

Aiming at the identification of the lipopeptide compounds derived from Bacillus sp. MI27, a crude extract was prepared and purified by anionic exchange chromatography. An HPLC coupled with an ESI-MS permitted to determine the molecular weight of the constituting fractions. Results analyses demonstrated the acquirement of two clusters of peaks, the first at m/z values between 994 and 1,036 Da and the second at m/z values between 1,012 and 1,054 Da specified to Families A and B, respectively (Table 2).

Table 2

Assignment of the structure of Surfactin lipopeptides produced by Bacillus sp. MI27 by LC-ESI-MS/MS in this study

Family .	Assignation .	ESI + mode .	ESI-mode .	Lipopeptide molecular weight .	Possible sequence .
Family A Surfactin	C12/C13 Surfactin	995.1 [M + H+] 1,017.0 [M + Na+]	993.4 [M−H+]	994 [M]	Xxx = Leu/Ile or Val n = 9 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 10 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C13/C14 Surfactin	1,009.0 [M + H+] 1,031.1 [M + Na+]	1,007.3 [M−H+]	1,008 [M]	n = 10 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 11 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C14/C15 Surfactin	1,023.1 [M + H+] 1,045.1 [M + Na+]	1,021.3 [M−H+]	1,022 [M]	n = 11 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 12 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C15/C16 Surfactin	1,037.1 [M + H+] 1,059.1 [M + Na+]	1,035.3 [M−H+]	1,036 [M]	n = 12 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 13 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
Family B Linear homologues of Surfactin	Linear C12/C13 Surfactin	1,013.1 [M + H+] 1,035.1 [M + Na+]	1,011.1 [M−H+]	1,012 [M]	Xxx = Leu/Ile or Val n = 9 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 10 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C13/C14 Surfactin	1,027.0 [M + H+] 1,049.0 [M + Na+]	1,025.3 [M−H+]	1,026 [M]	n = 10 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 11 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C14/15 Surfactin	1,041.1 [M + H+] 1,063.1 [M + Na+]	1,039.3 [M−H+]	1,040 [M]	n = 11 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 12 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C15/16 Surfactin	1,055.0 [M + H+] 1,077.1 [M + Na+]	1,053.3 [M−H+]	1,054 [M]	n = 12 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 13 (2Val + Leu/Ile)

Family .	Assignation .	ESI + mode .	ESI-mode .	Lipopeptide molecular weight .	Possible sequence .
Family A Surfactin	C12/C13 Surfactin	995.1 [M + H+] 1,017.0 [M + Na+]	993.4 [M−H+]	994 [M]	Xxx = Leu/Ile or Val n = 9 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 10 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C13/C14 Surfactin	1,009.0 [M + H+] 1,031.1 [M + Na+]	1,007.3 [M−H+]	1,008 [M]	n = 10 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 11 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C14/C15 Surfactin	1,023.1 [M + H+] 1,045.1 [M + Na+]	1,021.3 [M−H+]	1,022 [M]	n = 11 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 12 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	C15/C16 Surfactin	1,037.1 [M + H+] 1,059.1 [M + Na+]	1,035.3 [M−H+]	1,036 [M]	n = 12 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 13 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
Family B Linear homologues of Surfactin	Linear C12/C13 Surfactin	1,013.1 [M + H+] 1,035.1 [M + Na+]	1,011.1 [M−H+]	1,012 [M]	Xxx = Leu/Ile or Val n = 9 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 10 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C13/C14 Surfactin	1,027.0 [M + H+] 1,049.0 [M + Na+]	1,025.3 [M−H+]	1,026 [M]	n = 10 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 11 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C14/15 Surfactin	1,041.1 [M + H+] 1,063.1 [M + Na+]	1,039.3 [M−H+]	1,040 [M]	n = 11 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 12 (2Val + Leu/Ile)
	Linear C15/16 Surfactin	1,055.0 [M + H+] 1,077.1 [M + Na+]	1,053.3 [M−H+]	1,054 [M]	n = 12 (Val +2Leu/Ile) or 13 (2Val + Leu/Ile)

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Figures 1 and 2 represent the mass spectroscopy (Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Quadripole-TOF ) spectrum of cyclic and linear Surfactin identified in the positive mode as [M + H⁺] and [M + Na⁺], respectively. In summary, Family A corresponds to cyclic isoforms of Surfactin with molecular weights of 994, 1,008, 1,022 and 1,036 Da (Ben Ayed et al. 2014; Pathak et al. 2014; Yang et al. 2015; Mnif et al. 2016; Jemil et al. 2017; Kecskeméti et al. 2018; Hentati et al. 2019; Lin et al. 2020) and Family B corresponds to linear analogues of Surfactin or non-ester-cyclized compounds with molecular weights of 1,012, 1,026, 1,040 and 1,054 Da corresponding to the (M + 18) of m/z 994; 1,008; 1,022 and 1,036 Da, respectively (Wang et al. 2004; Pathak et al. 2014; Ma et al. 2016). All these results with the possible sequences are presented in Table 2.

Structurally, lipopeptides consist of a hydrophobic fatty acid chain linked to a short hydrophilic linear or cyclic amino acids chain via ester or amide bonds or both. As described by Mnif & Ghribi (2015a) and Ali et al. (2022), the cyclic structure of this molecule was attributed to the lactone bridge between the β-hydroxyl function of the acid and the carboxyl-terminal function of the peptide moiety. Regarding the nature and the type of the fatty acid chain, as well as the number and the configuration of the amino acids in the peptide moiety, we distinguish different families among the lipopeptides class to know Surfactin, Iturin and Fengycin isoforms (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a, 2015b; Ali et al. 2022). Surfactin, identified in the current study, the most known lipopeptide isoforms, consists of a cyclic lipoheptapeptide, containing seven residues of D- and L-amino acids linked to one residue of a β-hydroxy fatty acid. Owing to the length of the lipid moiety, Surfactin can have six isoforms or nine isoforms (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a; Ali et al. 2022). When the length of the fatty acid chain ranges from C11 to C19, the molecular weight of Surfactins could vary from 980 to 1,078 Da (Bartal et al. 2018; Ali et al. 2022). For the peptide moiety, Surfactin has the common following structural traits: a heptapeptide with a chiral sequence LLDLLDL with a D-Leu in positions 3 and 6 and an L-Asp in position 5. The amino acid in positions 2, 4 and 7, they belong to Val, Leu and Ile (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a; Ali et al. 2022). However, we differentiate four isomers namely Surfactin, Lichenysin, Esperin and Pumilacidin among the Surfactin family that vary on the seventh amino acid (Mnif & Ghribi 2015a; Ali et al. 2022). Additionally, linear non-ester-cyclized isoforms were largely identified as described here and numerous previous work (Wang et al. 2004; Pathak et al. 2014; Ma et al. 2016; Théatre et al. 2021).

Generally, surfactants ensure the detachment of the dirt and its suspension in the laundry bath. The choice of surfactant depends on a large number of factors (washing temperature, type of textile, pH of washing water, washing time, etc.), but the essential parameters for achieving optimal detergency are the solubility of the surfactant and its CMC value. In general, BioS are more effective than chemical surfactants and their CMC are about 10 to 40 times lower. Thus, they can be very effective at very low concentrations. In this aim, we tried to assay the potential application of Bacillus sp. MI27-derived surfactant as a basis compound for detergent formula. It has the ability to decrease the ST of water to about 23 mN/m at a CMC value of 120 mg/L. Moreover, belonging to previous studies realized in our laboratory, MI27 BioS was able to disperse and emulsify oils to about 12 cm and 45% respectively at a concentration of 1,000 mg/L. It has a foaming capacity of about 80% at 1,000 mg/L stable over 1 h of incubation. Additionally, the MI27 BioS was active and stable under different physicochemical conditions of pH, temperature and salinity. All these properties are of great interest for potential use as a detergent ingredient.

Detergents are complex mixtures of numerous active ingredients containing up to 25 different compounds. The main ingredients of all washing machines are surfactants, adjuvants and fillers in addition to a few auxiliary additives such as enzymes, dispersants and bleaching agents (Gaubert et al. 2016). In this context, we will try to optimize a formula of liquid detergents based on MI27 BioS (X1) and three adjuvants; CMC (X2), sodium silicate (X3) and calcium phosphate (CaPO₄) (X4). Coded and real values of the experimental design are presented in Table 1.

With Y1, Y2 and Y3 refer respectively to the three responses recorded: the oil washing capacity, the engine oil washing capacity and the percentage decrease in ST in the washing bath. The values of the coefficients are calculated by the multiple linear regression method.

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) depicted in Table 5 permits verification of the validity of the three models described above. Obtained results indicated that the total sum of the squares of the average deviations estimated with 12 degrees of freedom is divided into two sums of squares. They are estimated with 3 and 9 degrees of freedom and are due respectively to regression and residual variation. Meanwhile, ANOVA proved significance of the regression for the two responses studied and the non-significance of the lack of validity.

However, the study of the oil washing capacity presented in Figure 6 gives a similar formula consisting of 0.15 MI27 BioS; 0.15 silicate; 0.59 CMC and 0.11 CaPO₄ to obtain washing capacities of the order of 42.13% (±13.08) for petroleum and 48.22% (±11.23) for motor oil with a decrease in ST of about 55.7% (±1.7).

Also, the isoresponse curves representing the change in the % of ST decrease as a function of the BioS concentration, silicate and CMC quantities confirm the results obtained previously (Figure 7).

To conclude, to have better washing capacities, we can establish a liquid lye formula composed of 0.15 MI27 BioS; 0.15 silicate; 0.6 CMC and 0.1 CaPO₄ in coded variables. In real variables, our formula will be prepared with 3% MI27 BioS; 3% silicate; 12% CMC and 2% CP. This new washing machine formula shows good washing efficiency with a good reduction in ST of the order of 25.7 mN/m. This facilitates the removal of contaminants. The optimized conditions were confirmed in 4 separate experiments, the mean values of which correspond to 52% for oil and 57% for engine oil. An average ST of 24 mN/m was found in the washing bath. Emulsifying (EI-24%) and foaming activities were confirmed. Therefore, the application of the experimental design methodology through a formulation design resulted in a new liquid washing formula based on a bacterial-derived BioS produced by a newly isolated strain. This chemical surfactant-free formula is ecological, biodegradable and non-toxic, thus making it possible to protect the environment.

In order to compare the efficiency of the MI27 formula, we carried out tests of oil washing, engine oil and mayonnaise using the MI27 formula; MI27 BioS alone, the SDS chemical surfactant and a commercial powder detergent “Ariel” generally used for washing laundry.

In this aim, numerous studies reported the use of lipopeptide BioS in detergent formulas. It knows a particular development. Several lipopeptide-based detergent formulations have been deferred. Bouassida et al. (2018) proved the successful use of Bacillus subtilis SPB1-derived lipopeptide in detergent formula. They formulated a new detergent based on sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium sulphate and a B. subtilis-derived lipopeptide that was effective in oil removal at pH = 7, a temperature of 65°C when stirring at 1,000 rpm during 60 min. The BioS-based formula demonstrated the best efficiency towards commercial detergent and a combined mixture of BioS for the removal of oil and tea stains with a bioscouring superior to 75% in terms of the stain removal against 60% than the commercial powders (Bouassida et al. 2018). Similar findings were reported by Mukherjee (2007) suggesting the detergent role of B. subtilis strain DM-04-derived lipopeptide that could enhance the elimination of oily stain from fabric by 9 to 12%. Moreover, the mentioned BioS enhance the cleaning performance of commercial detergent. In addition, Fei et al. (2020) suggested the effective role of B. subtilis HSO121-derived Surfactin in a detergent formula.

The increase in washing capacity of the formulated BioS may be due to the activities of the different added ingredients, particularly CP, which reduces the hardness of tap water and CMC, which has emulsification capacity thus improving the elimination of hydrophobic compounds. In particular, this adjuvant can retain and stabilize the BioS molecule during storage so that it retains its optimal activity. The different ingredients tested in this formula meet the requirements of a good commercial detergent. Sodium silicate and CP are classified as building agents. A potential manufacturer must satisfy a large number of requirements, including compatibility with bleach, oral non-toxicity and absence of adverse effects on the eyes, skin and other environmental and economic practices. Crystalline silicate in layers (Na₂Si₂O₅), an organic complex agent that combines great efficacy per unit mass with a high degree of multi-functionality was widely used in the past as an adjuvant in liquid detergent formulation (Yangxin et al. 2008).

These advantages over other adjuvant reside in its solubility in water and good ability to exchange magnesium and calcium ions thus effectively reducing the hardness of the wash water (Yangxin et al. 2008). Its high solubility assists very little to the sludge formation in wastewater treatment station and mitigates partially the alkalinity of aqueous liquor (Yangxin et al. 2008). In addition, it has a corrosive inhibiting activity and can be mixed with any other adjuvant, being used in formulations of liquid detergents and very compact. It is also low to non-toxic and biodegradable (Yangxin et al. 2008). All these benefits make it a good manufacturer for detergents.

Calcium phosphate (CaPO₄), an inorganic complexion agent, has a high capacity to chelate calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water, thereby improving the effectiveness of detergents. It also has low toxicity (Yangxin et al. 2008). Also, it facilitates the dissolution of detergents, maintains alkalinity during washing and prevents the re-collection of dirt on washed fabrics. In particular, it is used in the medical field for its antiseptic activity (Belouafa et al. 2006). However, its phosphate ion content poses environmental problems when discharged into the washing water. Phosphate ions cause eutrophisation problems and excessive algal blooms. But used at a very low dose (less than 4%), such as in the case of our MI27 formula; it does not present any environmental risks (Yangxin et al. 2008). CMC is a better additive for synthetic detergents. It is primarily used in detergent formulations for its emulsification power and protective colloidal properties (Palmer et al. 2011). In the washing process, it produces anions which can act as a repellent of dirt particles preventing their re-condition on the washed material. It also improves the viscosity, solubility and fluidity of detergent.

In particular, because it has negative charges when ionizing in water, it can play the role of chelating divalent ions, thereby reducing water hardness (Palmer et al. 2011). Having these interesting properties, it has been used in many fields including in the mining industry as a soap thinner and synthetic detergent, in the food industry for the manufacture of ice cream, in the textile industry for textile finishing and in the pharmaceutical industry as an adjuvant in drug formulas (Palmer et al. 2011). It is also biodegradable and non-toxic (Yangxin et al. 2008).

New lipopeptide isoforms were extracted from a Bacillus sp. MI27 strain. They were identified as linear and cyclic isoforms of Surfactin. The crude lipopeptide preparation was characterized by great ST reduction, a low CMC value along with emulsification, oil dispersing and foaming activities. The physicochemical characterization of the crude Surfactin Isoforms showed perfect activity and stability at extreme conditions of salinity, temperature and pH. Different activities were studied including the ST-reducing power, the emulsification index, the foaming capacity and the washing ability of stains. All these characteristics advised the potential use of MI27 lipopeptide preparation in industrial and environmental biotechnology. In addition, having lower toxicity and greater biodegradability, BioS are considered safer and more ecological replacements to chemical surfactants. On this basis, a new formula was prepared for potential use in detergency. Its interaction with the different ingredients of the washing machine can improve washing performance by effectively eliminating engine oil, oil and mayonnaise leading us to finalize that the potential use of these BioS as an additive for laundry detergent is very promising. To conclude, the described BioS can be of great interest in the chemical industry for detergent formulation and healthcare product.

This work has been supported by grants from the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technology. It is a part of a research project on biosurfactant production, characterization and application.

All relevant data are included in the paper.

Funding for this research work was granted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Tunisia. The work is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

All authors directly participated in the planning, execution, or analysis of this study. All authors contributed in the realization of the work, read and approved the final manuscript.

The authors declare there is no conflict.

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

All the authors give the Publisher the permission to publish the Work in Water Practice and Technology.