Characterization of new lipopeptide surfactant produced by thermotolerant and halotolerant subsurface Bacillus licheniformis BAS50

Bacillus licheniformis produces lichenysin A, a lipopeptide biosurfactant which has seven amino acids in each molecule of the protein moiety. The bacteria grows on salty substrates and produces lichenysin A both aerobically and anaerobically. Lichenysin A reduces the interfacial tension between oil and salts and can be used for enhanced oil recovery at oil sites where salinity and temperature is very high. Lichenysin A is more effective at low concentrations because its critical micelle concentration is less.