title: 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.
authors: Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 36, India.
authors: Joseph Irudayaraj
authors: JI
authors: Arutchelvi
authors: Sumit
authors: S
authors: Bhaduri
authors: Parasu Veera
authors: PV
authors: Uppara
authors: Mukesh
authors: M
authors: Doble
mesh_terms: D006017:Glycolipids / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014587:Ustilaginales / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006017:Glycolipids; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C439671:mannosylerythritol lipid