New mannosylerythritol lipid and a method of manufacturing the same

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mannosyl erythritol lipid which has high degradability, low toxicity, and improved water solubility, and to provide a method for producing the mannosyl erythritol lipid. SOLUTION: This method for producing the new mannosyl erythritol lipid having at least one hydroxy group in a side chain fatty acid in the molecular structure comprises culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce the mannosyl erythritol lipid in a culture medium containing at least one hydroxy group-having fatty acid, its derivative or a vegetable oil. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT