Mannosylerythritol lipids: a review

Abstract

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are surface active compounds that belong to the glycolipid class of biosurfactants (BSs). MELs are produced by Pseudozyma sp. as a major component while Ustilago sp. produces them as a minor component. Although MELs have been known for over five decades, they recently regained attention due to their environmental compatibility, mild production conditions, structural diversity, self-assembling properties and versatile biochemical functions. In this review, the MEL producing microorganisms, the production conditions, their applications, their diverse structures and self-assembling properties are discussed. The biosynthetic pathways and the regulatory mechanisms involved in the production of MEL are also explained here.

Nitrogen Source Affects Glycolipid Production and Lipid Accumulation in the Phytopathogen Fungus <i>Ustilago maydis</i>

“…In agreement with other reports, the preference of these two glycolipids is affected considerably by the nitrogen source [1] [37]. Additionally, in this study we showed first that UA is the main glycolipid when esterified fatty acids are accumulated in the lipid bodies, and second, that U. maydis is an important cell factory that produces not only glycolipids, but also fatty acids which may have potential application in biofuels.…”

Synthese und Optimierung von Cellobioselipiden und Mannosylerythritollipiden

“…pharmazeutischen Bereich interessant machen. Dazu zählen u. a. antibiotische und cancerostatische Anwendungen [5,6]. Für die industrielle Herstellung dieser Biotenside sind jedoch noch Verbesserungen der Ausbeute und anwendungsspezifischen Tensideigenschaften notwendig.…”

Production and structural characterization of biosurfactant produced by newly isolated staphylococcus xylosus STF1 from petroleum contaminated soil

“…They include surfactin and iturin produced by B. subtilis strains (Ahimou et al, 2000), rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas species (Abalos et al, 2001), and biosurfactants produced by some fungi (Arutchelvi et al, 2008). However, there are few reports about the antimicrobial activity of biosurfactants isolated from Staphylococcus.…”