Produção de biossurfactantes por fungos endofíticos isolados de eichhornia crassipes da bacia do Tarumã-Açu, Manaus, AM

Abstract

Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules with low toxicity and high biodegradability, attracting commercial interest due to their environmental safety. Recent studies confirm their production by endophytic fungi. In this context, the present study investigated the production of biosurfactants by filamentous fungi isolated from the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, collected from the TarumãAçu river basin in Manaus, Brazil. After isolation and purification of the plant material, 27 fungal strains were obtained (23 filamentous and 4 yeast-like), with colonization rates ranging from 13% (root) to 80% (bulb). The filamentous fungi were subjected to biosurfactant production tests, including drop-collapse assay, emulsification index (using soybean oil, diesel, and kerosene), and surface tension (ST) measurement using the Du Noüy ring method. Five strains tested positive in the initial screenings, with three showing moderate ST reduction (34.9%, 34.1%, and 32.2%). These strains were morphologically characterized, but genus-level identification was not possible; they were classified as Mycelia sterilia. The results highlight the biotechnological potential of endophytic fungi associated with E. crassipes for biosurfactant production. Keywords: Emulsification; Endophytes; Fungi; Macrophyte; Surface tension.