ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 251
II. Lipopeptides 252 A. Lactonic lipopeptides 253 B. Cyclic lipopeptides with p-and a-amino fatty acid moieties 254 C. Cyclic lipopeptides with p-hydroxy fatty acid moieties 256 D. Cyclic lipopeptides of the echinocandin class 257 E. GIycolipodepsipeptides 257
III. Glycolipids 258 A. Effects of glycolipids on microorganisms 258 B. Effects of glycolipids on viruses 261 C. Effects of glycolipids on fusion rates of plant protoplasts 262
IV. Miscellaneous Biosurfactants 262 A. Effects on freshwater and marine inhabitants 262
V. Conclusion 265 References 266
I. INTRODUCTION For several decades, surfactants have been used in the care of the body and teeth, in drugs and cosmetics, in washing agents, and in many other applications. Their widespread use and ecological considerations have necessitated the study of the biological and toxic properties of these substances. The same is true for
biosurfactants, which have been attracting attention during the last 15 years and have a potential to partially or fully replace synthetic detergents.
