Marine biosurfactants, I. Screening for biosurfactants among crude oil degrading marine microorganisms from the North Sea.

Three bacterial strains of marine origin were isolated during a screening for biosurfactants among n-alkane degrading microorganisms. One strain-identified as Alcaligenes sp. MM1-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 Arthrobacter 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/l. The isolated biosurfactants showed good interfacial and emulsifying properties.