[Hydrophobicity and microbial production. 1. Selection of oleophilic microorganisms and qualitative characterization...

From samples of different origin microorganisms were selected using the property of oleophily. All oleophilic isolates (30 strains are characterized in more detail) proved to be Gram-positive, nonsporogenic bacteria, obviously belonging to the group of coryneforms. They are growing on a broad spectrum of substrates, 11 strains are facultatively methylotrophic. They are utilizing methanol as well as n-alkanes and glucose without any supplines. 6 strains are able to degrade and decolorize triphenylmethane dyes, for example crystal violet and malachite green. Because of the degradative capacities, combined with the hydrophobic properties of the cell surface, the group of the oleophilic bacteria seems to be very promising in relation to the development of environmental technologies and ecological investigations.