Application of response surface methodology to improve the production of antimicrobial biosurfactants by Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. tolerans N2 using sugar cane molasses as substrate

Background Biosurfactants are natural surface-active compounds produced by a variety of microorganisms. The high cost of culture media limits the large-scale production and use of biosurfactants. It is therefore necessary to develop an efficient and cost-effective bioprocess to improve the yield of biosurfactants from microorganisms. In this study, the response surface method was used to optimize the production of biosurfactants by a Lactobacillus strain and the antimicrobial activity of the biosurfactants was assessed.