Design, optimization, and molecular characterization of plant-derived biosurfactants from endophytic fungi for sustainable agricultural applications

Project Abstract

Plant-derived biosurfactants produced by endophytic fungi offer a sustainable alternative to chemical surfactants in agriculture, with potential to enhance nutrient availability, biocontrol, soil structure, and water retention while reducing environmental impact. This study aims to design, optimize, and molecularly characterize biosurfactants synthesized by selected endophytic fungal strains isolated from diverse plant hosts, and to evaluate their performance in sustainable agricultural applications. A systematic screening of endophytic fungi from medicinal and crop plants identified strains exhibiting strong surface-active properties, emulsification activity, and stability under wide pH, salinity, and temperature ranges. Biosurfactant production was optimized using a combination of statistical experimental designs (Plackett–Burman screening followed by a Face-Centered Central Composite Design) to maximize yield and surface activity while minimizing culture time and substrate input. Key fermentation variables investigated included carbon and nitrogen source types and concentrations, CN ratio, pH, temperature, inoculum density, and incubation time. The optimized process yielded biosurfactants with low critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and high emulsification indices against hydrophobic agrochemicals, suggesting efficient dispersion and mobility in soil matrices. Molecular characterization employed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and chromatographic analyses to elucidate the structural features of the glycolipid and lipopeptide components, as well as fatty acid moieties and hydrophobic-lipophilic balance. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of high-producing strains identified biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for sophorolipid-like and rhamnolipid-like metabolites, indicating conserved pathways and potential regulatory nodes for metabolic flux redirection. Molecular docking and in silico pathway reconstruction provided insights into enzyme-substrate interactions and potential optimization targets. Stability assessments revealed robust performance under abiotic stresses common in agricultural settings, including sunlight exposure, variable moisture, and soil-derived inhibitors, with persistence and biodegradability aligned to environmental safety criteria. Functional evaluation encompassed in vitro and greenhouse experiments to assess plant-beneficial properties, including improved seed germination, root elongation, and nutrient solubilization in the presence of biosurfactants; enhanced dissemination of beneficial microbes; and suppression of soil-borne pathogens through membrane disruption and synergistic effects with biocontrol agents. Field-relevant assessments measured soil hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and evapotranspiration under biosurfactant-treated plots, alongside crop yield and phytotoxicity monitoring. Economic and life cycle considerations were integrated, comparing production costs, feedstock sustainability, and carbon footprint against conventional surfactants. The study demonstrates that endophytic fungal biosurfactants can be produced cost-effectively at scale, possess desirable physicochemical properties, and exhibit multifaceted agronomic benefits. The integrated optimization and molecular characterization framework provides a blueprint for translating microbial biosurfactants into practical, eco-friendly formulations for sustainable agriculture, with implications for soil health, water efficiency, and reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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A plain-language overview of the topic and what the project investigates.

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The Problem It Addresses

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What problem or gap this project tackles and why it matters to the field or society.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Identify plant-derived compounds that act as biosurfactants.
2. Isolate biosurfactant-producing endophytic fungi from plants.
3. Characterize the chemical nature and surface activity of the biosurfactants.
4. Optimize growth and extraction conditions to maximize yields.
5. Assess compatibility with common crops and soils for sustainability.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Survey literature to learn how biosurfactants work and why endophytic fungi are useful.
2. Collect plant samples and culture endophytic fungi in safe lab conditions.
3. Screen isolates for biosurfactant production using simple assays.
4. Extract and analyze the surface-active compounds (basic chemical tests).
5. Experiment with growth parameters to improve production.
6. Test effects on seed germination and soil properties in small trials.
7. Analyze data to identify the best-performing strains and conditions.
8. Discuss results in the context of sustainable agriculture and future work.

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Expected Outcome

Anticipated results include identifying one or more plant-associated fungi that make effective biosurfactants, optimized production methods, and preliminary evidence that these biosurfactants can help crops grow better with less chemical input.