Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals

This review offers an in-depth analysis of microbial γ-poly-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), highlighting its production, biosynthetic pathways, unique properties, and extensive applications in the food and health industries. γ-PGA is a naturally occurring biopolymer synthesized by various microorganisms, par...

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Main Authors: Verma Manika, Palanisamy Bruntha Devi, Sanjay Pratap Singh, Geereddy Bhanuprakash Reddy, Digambar Kavitake, Prathapkumar Halady Shetty
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Fermentation
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/11/4/208
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author Verma Manika
Palanisamy Bruntha Devi
Sanjay Pratap Singh
Geereddy Bhanuprakash Reddy
Digambar Kavitake
Prathapkumar Halady Shetty
author_facet Verma Manika
Palanisamy Bruntha Devi
Sanjay Pratap Singh
Geereddy Bhanuprakash Reddy
Digambar Kavitake
Prathapkumar Halady Shetty
author_sort Verma Manika
collection DOAJ
description This review offers an in-depth analysis of microbial γ-poly-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), highlighting its production, biosynthetic pathways, unique properties, and extensive applications in the food and health industries. γ-PGA is a naturally occurring biopolymer synthesized by various microorganisms, particularly species of <i>Bacillus</i>. The report delves into the challenges and advancements in cost-effective production strategies, addressing the economic constraints associated with large-scale γ-PGA synthesis. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature make it a promising candidate for diverse industrial applications. γ-PGA’s exceptional water-holding capacity and humectant properties are key to its utility in the food industry. These features enable it to enhance the stability, viscosity, and shelf life of food products, making it a valuable ingredient in processed foods. The review highlights its ability to improve the textural quality of baked goods, stabilize emulsions, and act as a protective agent against staling. Beyond food applications, γ-PGA’s role in health and pharmaceuticals is equally significant. Its use as a drug delivery carrier, vaccine adjuvant, and biofilm inhibitor underscores its potential in advanced healthcare solutions.
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series Fermentation
spelling doaj-art-4df90a74b1c041c4b01ee68705f3b5de2025-08-20T02:28:28ZengMDPI AGFermentation2311-56372025-04-0111420810.3390/fermentation11040208Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and BiomedicalsVerma Manika0Palanisamy Bruntha Devi1Sanjay Pratap Singh2Geereddy Bhanuprakash Reddy3Digambar Kavitake4Prathapkumar Halady Shetty5Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, IndiaDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, IndiaDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, IndiaBiochemistry Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, IndiaBiochemistry Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, IndiaDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, IndiaThis review offers an in-depth analysis of microbial γ-poly-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), highlighting its production, biosynthetic pathways, unique properties, and extensive applications in the food and health industries. γ-PGA is a naturally occurring biopolymer synthesized by various microorganisms, particularly species of <i>Bacillus</i>. The report delves into the challenges and advancements in cost-effective production strategies, addressing the economic constraints associated with large-scale γ-PGA synthesis. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature make it a promising candidate for diverse industrial applications. γ-PGA’s exceptional water-holding capacity and humectant properties are key to its utility in the food industry. These features enable it to enhance the stability, viscosity, and shelf life of food products, making it a valuable ingredient in processed foods. The review highlights its ability to improve the textural quality of baked goods, stabilize emulsions, and act as a protective agent against staling. Beyond food applications, γ-PGA’s role in health and pharmaceuticals is equally significant. Its use as a drug delivery carrier, vaccine adjuvant, and biofilm inhibitor underscores its potential in advanced healthcare solutions.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/11/4/208polyglutamic acidmicrobial PGAbiosynthesispropertiesapplications
spellingShingle Verma Manika
Palanisamy Bruntha Devi
Sanjay Pratap Singh
Geereddy Bhanuprakash Reddy
Digambar Kavitake
Prathapkumar Halady Shetty
Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
Fermentation
polyglutamic acid
microbial PGA
biosynthesis
properties
applications
title Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
title_full Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
title_fullStr Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
title_full_unstemmed Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
title_short Microbial Poly-Glutamic Acid: Production, Biosynthesis, Properties, and Their Applications in Food, Environment, and Biomedicals
title_sort microbial poly glutamic acid production biosynthesis properties and their applications in food environment and biomedicals
topic polyglutamic acid
microbial PGA
biosynthesis
properties
applications
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/11/4/208
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