ABSTRACT
The biosynthesis of surfactin is non-ribosomally catalyzed by a large multienzyme peptide synthetase complex called the surfactin synthetase, consisting of three protein subunits-SrfA, SrfB, and SrfC. Multiple plasmid transfer was accomplished between Pseudomonas species to construct a strain that can degrade several hydrocarbons. Plasmid curing was carried out and the antibiotic-sensitive bacterial isolates were recovered with the presence of the antibiotic-resistant gene in the plasmid DNA. The observations confirmed the presence of the gene(s) responsible for the biosynthesis of BSs and biodegradation of hydrocarbons on the plasmid DNA. The interaction of microorganisms with hydrophobic organic chemicals and the role of BSs in their bioavailability have been reviewed extensively by Salihu et al.; Ron and Rosenberg. Since many contaminated sites are also co-contaminated with metals, BSs have also been explored for metal chelation. Nitrogen is another important factor that plays an important part in the regulation of BS synthesis.
