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