Biofilm of Pseudomonas C12B on glass support as catalytic agent for continuous SDS removal

The purpose of this work was to investigate the biodegradation of Sodium dodecylsulphate, a common surfactant used in commercial detergent formulations, by immobilized cells of the surfactant-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas C12B. Cells were immobilized by adsorption on porous glass beads with either unmodified or silanized surface. Data showed a direct relation between the SDS concentration in the medium and formation of the biofilm on glass beads. Bioreactors with Pseudomonas C12B cells immobilized on both types of porous glass beads were prepared. Both types showed equivalent efficiency to remove SDS. This biocatalyst was also effective to remove anionic surfactants from commercial dishwashing liquid (Jar) and shampoo (Clear) under continuous operation.