Abstract: There is provided a novel sophorolipid derivative having high water solubility and surface activity. A plurality of sophorolipid derivatives having a novel structure is isolated and purified from a cultured product of sophorolipid producing microorganism (Starmerella bombicola, etc.) (wherein, R1 to R3 are each independently hydrogen, a fatty acid ester having 2 to 22 carbon atoms, or the above SL group, provided that at least one of R1 to R3 is the SL group in which R are the same or different and each represent hydrogen or an acetyl group and Rn is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 21 carbon atoms).

Abstract: Provided is a monoacylated MEL. A microorganism of the genus Pseudozyma produces monoacylated MEL-B.

Abstract: There is provided a novel ionic composite material that can be molded into various shapes using lignin sulfonic acid as one of raw materials thereof, and having flexibility and elasticity, to significantly improve the strength and toughness and impart complete biodegradability thereto. It was found that a combination of ?-polylysine (?-PL) which is a cationic polymer that is produced by microorganisms and lignin sulfonic acid exhibits excellent strength and toughness. In addition, ?-PL used in this technology is a biodegradable polymer that is completely degraded by microorganisms and the like in the environment. Since lignin sulfonic acid is also a biodegradable polymer, it is thought that a complex in which ?-PL and lignin sulfonic acid are mixed in this technology will exhibit complete biodegradability, and more applications thereof can be expected when utilizing the strength, durability, and biodegradability thereof in addition to the improved strength and toughness.

Abstract: Provided is a means for increasing mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) production efficiency. The present invention is a mannosylerythritol-lipid-producing microorganism transformed with an expression vector having a gene that encodes a lipase under the control of E5Pgap promoter or E5Ptef promoter.

Abstract: Provided is a means for efficiently producing a monoacyl MEL. This means comprises culturing a monoacyl-MEL-producing microorganism in the presence of a surfactant.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a PHA, in particular PHBV, having a molecular weight exceeding 3,610,000 and/or a method for producing such a PHA while controlling the molecular weight thereof. Provided is a copolymer of random copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, having a weight-average molecular weight exceeding 3,610,000.

Abstract: There is provided a novel ionic composite material that can be molded into various shapes using lignin sulfonic acid as one of raw materials thereof, and having flexibility and elasticity, to significantly improve the strength and toughness and impart complete biodegradability thereto. It was found that a combination of ?-polylysine (?-PL) which is a cationic polymer that is produced by microorganisms and lignin sulfonic acid exhibits excellent strength and toughness. In addition, ?-PL used in this technology is a biodegradable polymer that is completely degraded by microorganisms and the like in the environment. Since lignin sulfonic acid is also a biodegradable polymer, it is thought that a complex in which ?-PL and lignin sulfonic acid are mixed in this technology will exhibit complete biodegradability, and more applications thereof can be expected when utilizing the strength, durability, and biodegradability thereof in addition to the improved strength and toughness.

Abstract: The present invention includes as an active ingredient at least one biosurfactant, in particular mannosyl alditol lipid (such as MEL and MML) or triacylated mannosyl alditol lipid. This allows providing an activator and anti-aging agent that is excellent in activating and anti-aging effects on cells and that is safe enough to be used for a long time, and also providing cosmetics, quasi-drugs, drugs, and drinks and foods including the activator and the anti-aging agent as active ingredients. Further, the present invention provides MEL whose mannosyl erythritol skeleton in a molecular structure is 1-O-?-D-mannopyranosyl-meso-erythritol and a method for producing the MEL with use of a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic for skin roughness improvement/skin care containing a biosurfactant, particularly MEL-A, MEL-B or MEL-C.

Abstract: The present invention includes as an active ingredient at least one biosurfactant, in particular mannosyl alditol lipid (such as MEL and MML) or triacylated mannosyl alditol lipid. This allows providing an activator and anti-aging agent that is excellent in activating and anti-aging effects on cells and that is safe enough to be used for a long time, and also providing cosmetics, quasi-drugs, drugs, and drinks and foods including the activator and the anti-aging agent as active ingredients. Further, the present invention provides MEL whose mannosyl erythritol skeleton in a molecular structure is 1-O-?-D-mannopyranosyl-meso-erythritol and a method for producing the MEL with use of a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention includes as an active ingredient at least one biosurfactant, in particular mannosyl alditol lipid (such as MEL and MML) or triacylated mannosyl alditol lipid. This allows providing an activator and anti-aging agent that is excellent in activating and anti-aging effects on cells and that is safe enough to be used for a long time, and also providing cosmetics, quasi-drugs, drugs, and drinks and foods including the activator and the anti-aging agent as active ingredients. Further, the present invention provides MEL whose mannosyl erythritol skeleton in a molecular structure is 1-O-?-D-mannopyranosyl-meso-erythritol and a method for producing the MEL with use of a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention includes as an active ingredient at least one biosurfactant, in particular mannosyl alditol lipid (such as MEL and MML) or triacylated mannosyl alditol lipid. This allows providing an activator and anti-aging agent that is excellent in activating and anti-aging effects on cells and that is safe enough to be used for a long time, and also providing cosmetics, quasi-drugs, drugs, and drinks and foods including the activator and the anti-aging agent as active ingredients. Further, the present invention provides MEL whose mannosyl erythritol skeleton in a molecular structure is 1-O-?-D-mannopyranosyl-meso-erythritol and a method for producing the MEL with use of a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic for skin roughness improvement/skin care containing a biosurfactant, particularly MEL-A, MEL-B or MEL-C.