Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants
Published on: June 3, 2022
Fungal Biosurfactants from Mortierella alpina
Florian Baldeweg1, Paul Warncke2, Dagmar Fischer2
1Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute , Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena , Winzerlaer Strasse 2 , 07745 Jena , Germany.
Abstract:
The zygomycete Mortierella alpina is a well-known producer of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the food industry. Two series of its secondary metabolites are reported: Malpinins, a family of amphiphilic acetylated hexapeptides, were chemically characterized and serve as natural emulsifiers during lipid secretion. Additionally, hydrophobic cyclopentapeptides, malpibaldins, were structurally elucidated by NMR experiments, and their absolute stereochemistry was elucidated through chemical derivatization and synthesis. This work highlights lower fungi as a novel reservoir for natural products.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
Ribozymes
Ribozymes can...

