Influence of the production of two lipopeptides, Iturin A and Surfactin S1, on oxygen transfer during Bacillus subtilis fermentation

Bacillus subtilis produces three types of lipopeptides: Iturins, Fengycins, and Surfactins. These amphiphilic molecules influence the volumetric oxygen transfer (K(L)a) like chemical surfactant. K(L)a values were from two- to fivefold lower when both Iturin A and Surfactin S1 were coproduced, and from 0.57- to 0.8-fold lower when only Iturin A was produced. The addition of an oxygen vector (n-Dodecane) during fermentation increased K(L)a values (7.5-fold) and biomass production (twofold), and decreased Iturin A and Surfactin S1 production. However, at high stirring conditions and in the presence of n-Dodecane, Iturin A production was improved.