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Aim:  This study was performed to determine the potential of tropical intertidal biofilm bacteria as a source of novel exopolymers (EPS). Methods and Results:  A screening procedure was implemented to detect EPS‐producing biofilm bacteria. Isolates MC3B‐10 and MC6B‐22, identified respectively as a Microbacterium species and Bacillus species by 16S rDNA and cellular fatty acids analyses, produced different EPS, as evidenced by colorimetric and gas chromatographic analyses. The polymer produced by isolate MC3B‐10 displays significant surfactant activity, and may chelate calcium as evidenced by spectroscopic analysis. Conclusions:  Polymer MC3B‐10 appears to be a glycoprotein, while EPS MC6B‐22 seems to be a true polysaccharide dominated by neutral sugars but with significant concentrations of uronic acids and hexosamines. EPS MC3B‐10 possesses a higher surfactant activity than that of commercial surfactants, and given its anionic nature, may chelate cations thus proving useful in bioremediation. The chemical composition of polymer MC6B‐22 suggests its potential biomedical application in tissue regeneration. Significance and Impact of the Study:  This is the first report of a Microbacterium species producing EPS with surfactant properties, which expands our knowledge of the micro‐organisms capable of producing these biomolecules. Furthermore, this work shows that tropical intertidal environments are a nonpreviously recognized habitat for bioprospecting EPS‐producing bacteria, and that these molecules might be involved in ecological roles protecting the cells against dessication.

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