Poly gamma glutamic acid
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a biopolymer made up of repeating units of l-glutamic acid, d-glutamic acid sometimes both. It is a biodegradable polymer, which is water soluble, non toxic and non immunogenic naturally synthesized by various strains of Bacillus species. during fermentation. This study isolated Bacillus spp. from ogi steep liquor (OSL) and lemon-ogi steep liquor (LOSL) using standard methods and determined the γPGA-producing ability. The antimicrobial and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of γPGA polymer were evaluated and isolates were sequenced.
B. subtilis
Bovarnick (1942) first showed that γ-PGA is freely secreted into the medium after fermentation of B. subtilis. Following this, considerable research has been carried out into the production of γ-PGA using B. subtilis. More strains of B. subtilis have been investigated for the production of γ-PGA than of B. licheniformis.
Functions :
It is widely used in food, medicines and wastewater industries.
It's used for non viral gene transfer.
In cosmetics it is used as a moistures.
In food industries it is used as a Cryoprotectant, Oil-reducing agent and Texture enhancer.
It is used as a Metal chelator in medicines.
In waste water treatment γ PGA is used as a Biopolymer flocculant, Heavy metal removal and to remove dyes.
Applications of γ-PGA
γ-PGA is an extremely important substance that has been exploited for a wide array of useful applications due to its unique properties. It is biodegradable, edible and non-toxic for humans, which itself is a prerequisite for being used for human benefit.
This section will describe some important potential medical applications that have exploited γ-PGA.
Optimization of γ-PGA for use in drug delivery applications is a crucial step in making this technology applicable.
One of the naturally occurring sources of γ-PGA is the mucilage of natto (fermented soybeans), which is a traditional food in Japan. As it is food derived, γ-PGA can be used for food applications.