a bioemulsifier composition useful for forming and stabilizing oil - in - water emulsions , comprising an esterase protein of 32 . 5 kd , found in association with emulsan in the bacteria acinetobacter . the esterase , or parts of it , are isolated from cell extracts of various strains of acinetobacter , or produced by any other means . the bioemulsifier composition is further comprised of a water - soluble polysaccharide polymer of any source . the present invention further discloses a method of forming and stabilizing oil - in - water emulsions , using the above - mentioned composition .