Surface Active Polymers from the Genus Acinetobacter

Abstract

The genus Acinetobacter is defined as Gram-negative, nonmotile, nonpigmented, oxidase-negative saprophytes [1]. A genus-specific DNA transformation assay provides further demonstration for inclusion in this genus [2]. Strains belonging to the genus Acinetobacter produce a variety of extracellular polymers that bind to and change the surface properties of water-insoluble organic and inorganic compounds. A survey of several independently-isolated Acinetobacter strains indicated that most produced extracellular surface-active polymers [3]. Several of these microbially produced surface active polymers will be discussed here. All of these are complex, high molecular weight anionic heteropolysaccharides that may require additional components (lipids or proteins) for their maximum surface activity.