Details zur Publikation

Kategorie Textpublikation
Referenztyp Zeitschriften
DOI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142455
Titel (primär) When biosurfactants compete with pollutants: Rhamnolipid production and moisture-dependent performance in hydrocarbon-degrading environments
Autor Woźniak-Karczewska, M.; Wilms, W.; Myszka, K.; Lisiecki, P.; Ciesielski, T.; Zgoła-Grześkowiak, A.; Gajewski, P.; Marecik, R.; Táncsics, A.; Cajthaml, T.; Heipieper, H.J. ORCID logo ; Chrzanowksi, Ł.
Quelle Journal of Hazardous Materials
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
Department MEB
Band/Volume 514
Seite von art. 142455
Sprache englisch
Topic T7 Bioeconomy
Daten-/Softwarelinks https://doi.org/10.18150/NS5OMA
Supplements Supplement 1
Keywords biosynthesis and production; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; bioremediation; hydrocarbon biodegradation
Abstract Rhamnolipids have long been studied for their potential in bioremediating hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. While some studies report enhanced hydrocarbon biodegradation in their presence, others observe limited or no effect. To clarify the factors behind these discrepancies and assess rhamnolipid effectiveness, we carried out experiments with 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the best-studied rhamnolipid producers. All strains showed significantly higher rhamnolipid production when cultivated with a hydrophilic carbon source compared to hydrophobic diesel oil. The synthesis rate was also higher under nitrogen-limited conditions. These findings challenge the assumption that rhamnolipids are primarily produced to enhance hydrocarbon uptake. To investigate their efficiency, we exogenously added rhamnolipids to sand microcosms. They only accelerated hydrocarbon degradation under low moisture conditions (PWP). When sufficient water was available, rhamnolipids became less effective as they were consumed as accessible carbon by the microbiota. This was supported by community analysis, with the greatest rhamnolipid-driven shift observed under PWP. These findings underscore the complexity of rhamnolipid behavior in soils and importance of water availability when evaluating their role in hydrocarbon degradation. Their persistence and functionality under dry conditions suggest particular value in drought-prone environments. This work highlights the need to better understand when and where rhamnolipids are the most effective.
Woźniak-Karczewska, M., Wilms, W., Myszka, K., Lisiecki, P., Ciesielski, T., Zgoła-Grześkowiak, A., Gajewski, P., Marecik, R., Táncsics, A., Cajthaml, T., Heipieper, H.J., Chrzanowksi, Ł. (2026):
When biosurfactants compete with pollutants: Rhamnolipid production and moisture-dependent performance in hydrocarbon-degrading environments
J. Hazard. Mater. 514 , art. 142455
10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142455