n-Alkane chain length alters Dietzia sp. strain DQ12-45-1b biosurfactant production and cell surface activity.

Upon growth on n-hexadecane (C(16)), n-tetracosane (C(24)), and n-hexatriacontane (C(36)), Dietzia sp. strain DQ12-45-1b could produce different glycolipids, phospholipids, and lipopeptides. Interestingly, cultivation with C(36) increased cell surface hydrophobic activity, which attenuated the negative effect of the decline of the emulsification activity. These results suggest that the mechanisms of biosurfactant production and cell surface hydrophobicity are dependent upon the chain lengths of the n-alkanes used as carbon sources.