A polysaccharide was obtained by fermentation of glycerol in the presence of Pseudomonas spp. bacteria. It was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEC chromatography, conductimetric titrations, and viscometric measurements; its emulsifying activity was tested using various mixtures of a hydrocarbon compound and polymer solution. Based on this polysaccharide, new crosslinked ionic derivatives were synthesized and characterized; their interaction with lysozyme was studied. From the data presented, one can suggest some applications for this new, less expensive polysaccharide-it could be used as a thickener and specific bioemulsifier, while its derivatives-as a support for controlled release of biomolecules. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 159-167, 2011