Modification of oil–brine–mineral interfacial properties using biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and their extracellular metabolites is a viable strategy for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). This study quantitatively examined the effect of lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis on interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability in oil–brine–mineral systems. The study found that B. subtilis can produce surfactin, reducing IFT and altering wettability under high temperature (35–45 °C) and pressure (~10 MPa), conditions similar to those in reservoirs. The research confirmed that surfactin production and oil recovery rates improve significantly, especially at moderate temperatures. These results highlight the feasibility of using biosurfactant-producing microorganisms for MEOR in high-pressure, moderately high-temperature reservoirs.-Scientific Journal cover design by scapiens
[Scientific Journal cover design] Low-Thermal-Budget Fluorite-Structure Ferroelectrics for Future Electronic Device Applications
In article number 2100028, Jiyoung Kim, Si Joon Kim, and their team review key factors involved in developing fluorite-structure ferroelectrics
