Marine Biosurfactants, I. Screening for Biosurfactants among Crude Oil Degrading Marine Microorganisms from the North Sea

Abstract

Three bacterial strains of marine origin were isolated during a screening for biosurfactants among n-alkane degrading microorganisms. One strain — identified as Alcaligenes sp. MM 1 - produced a novel glucose lipid. In the case of Arthrobacter sp. EK 1 the well-known trehalose tetraester was found as major component. From another pure culture classified as Arthrobac-ter sp. SI 1, extracellular emulsifying agents with properties indicating high molecular weight substances were detected. Furthermore trehalose corynomycolates were found at up to 2 g/1. The isolated biosurfactants showed good interfacial and emulsifying properties. © 1991, Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung. All rights reserved.