Methods are provided for enhanced production of one or more microbial biopolymers, the methods comprising co-cultivating Stigmatella aurantiaca and Acinetobacter venetianus. In certain embodiments, the one or more biopolymers are emulsan. In certain embodiments, other microbial growth by-products are produced, such as biosurfactants. Microbe-based products produced according to the subject methods are also provided, as well as their uses in, for example, oil and gas recovery, agriculture, and health care.