The invention relates to systems and methods for effective production and use of microorganisms and/or the fermentation broth in which they are produced. Advantageously, the system is cost-effective, scalable, quick, versatile, efficacious, and helpful in reducing resistance to chemical compounds and residue that concerns consumers.

The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.

The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.

There is provided a Burkholderia thailandensis DIS2 bacteria and a Burkholderia thailandensis DIS2.1 bacteria, as well as bacteria having all the identifying characteristics thereof and mutants thereof. There is also provided a Starmerella bombicola DIS4 yeast, and a yeast having all the identifying characteristics thereof and mutants thereof. There is also provided a method for producing rhamnolipids and a method for producing sophorolipids. To produce rhamnolipids, a fermentation is performed with Burkholderia thailandensis, a mutant or variant thereof, with a feedstock comprising a waste carbon source, and fried cooking oil. Similarly, to produce a sophorolipid a fermentation is performed with Starmerella bombicola, a mutant or variant thereof, with a feedstock comprising a waste carbon source, and fried cooking oil.

There is provided a Burkholderia thailandensis DIS2 bacteria and a Burkholderia thailandensis DIS2.1 bacteria, as well as bacteria having all the identifying characteristics thereof and mutants thereof. There is also provided a Starmerella bombicola DIS4 yeast, and a yeast having all the identifying characteristics thereof and mutants thereof. There is also provided a method for producing rhamnolipids and a method for producing sophorolipids. To produce rhamnolipids, a fermentation is performed with Burkholderia thailandensis, a mutant or variant thereof, with a feedstock comprising a waste carbon source, and fried cooking oil. Similarly, to produce a sophorolipid a fermentation is performed with Starmerella bombicola, a mutant or variant thereof, with a feedstock comprising a waste carbon source, and fried cooking oil.

The invention concerns a process to convert di-rhamnolipid to mono-rhamnolipid, using an -L-rhamnosidase enzyme which has a sequence identity of at least 70% with either SEQ ID. 1 or SEQ. ID 2.

The invention concerns a process to convert di-rhamnolipid to mono-rhamnolipid, using an -L-rhamnosidase enzyme which has a sequence identity of at least 70% with either SEQ ID. 1 or SEQ. ID 2.

A process for the fermentative production of a biosurfactant brings a microorganism into contact with a medium that includes a mixture of saccharides. The mixture of saccharides includes glucose and at least one further saccharide which may be fructose, isomaltose, maltose, maltulose, or panose. The microorganism and the medium are provided under conditions where the microorganism is capable of synthesizing the biosurfactant.