Abstract
A Study was made on the possible assmilation of nonionic surfactants by various microorganisms. Microorganisms used in this study were isolated from cosmetic products.
Among the 60 tested nonionic surfactants, those of pluronic type were not utilized by fungi, yeasts and bacteria. The reason for this can be attributed to the composition of the surfactants which is made up in combination between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. However, other ester and ether-ester type nonionic surfactants were found to be utilized as a sole source of carbon by microorganisms.
Especially, Psuedomonas aeruginosa (wild type No. 16) was noted to demonstrate a strong ability to assimilate most of the tested surfactants except those of pluronic type.
In regard to the ability of assimilation, the microorganisms isolated from cosmetic products were generally superior to the type strains.
