Marine actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ISP2-49E, a new source of Rhamnolipid

Marine derived actinomycetes were isolated from sediment samples of Galveston Bay, Texas and screened for production of bioactive metabolites. Streptomyces sp. ISP2-49E, identified by 16s rDNA, produced a previously described Rha-Rha-C10-C10 rhamnolipid; however, this is the first report of a rhamnolipid produced by a Streptomyces sp. This organism was isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sediment and further supports the trend of rhamnolipid production as a potential adaptation to this environment.