Synthesis of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid and Its Application in Biomedical Materials

Abstract

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer composed of glutamic acid monomer and it has garnered substantial attention in both the fields of material science and biomedicine. Its remarkable cell compatibility, degradability, and other advantageous characteristics have made it a vital component in the medical field. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the production methods, primary application forms, and medical applications of γ-PGA, drawing from numerous prior studies. Among the four production methods for PGA, microbial fermentation currently stands as the most widely employed. This method has seen various optimization strategies, which we summarize here. From drug delivery systems to tissue engineering and wound healing, γ-PGA’s versatility and unique properties have facilitated its successful integration into diverse medical applications, underlining its potential to enhance healthcare outcomes. The objective of this review is to establish a foundational knowledge base for further research in this field.

Poly (γ) glutamic acid: a unique microbial biopolymer with diverse commercial applicability

“…The fundamental research target for industrial application is to optimize the fermentation medium in order to decrease the costs of biopolymer manufacturing. Nevertheless, the production costs of γ-PGA are considerably decreased as they do not need the inclusion of external glutamate ( Cai et al, 2023 ). However, the major economic problem in γ-PGA production is the high cost associated with the media components and the kind of microorganisms used have a significant impact on production costs.…”

“…γ-PGA has a wide range of applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing including delivery systems, tissue engineering, gene carriers, and therapeutic and immunological effects. It can significantly reduce drug toxicity and improve drug efficiency in combination with other matters ( Luo et al, 2016 ; Zhan et al, 2018 ; Cai et al, 2023 ). However, molecular weight is a decisive factor for drug-delivery properties such as the controlled and delayed release of drugs ( Luo et al, 2016 ).…”

“…γ- PGA hydrogel is a natural polymer hydrogel, with good biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity, it also includes a large number of free carboxyl groups in γ-PGA, which helps the hydrogel absorb water. However, when the water content of γ-PGA increases, its mechanical capacity decreases, hence various materials are frequently mixed to produce composite hydrogels to compensate for its inadequacies ( Cai et al, 2023 ). PGA as moisturizer can enhance the effectiveness of personal care products for better exfoliation, skincare, hair care, and wrinkle-removing properties.…”

“…Although pure HA is rigid and degrades quickly, it has been widely utilized in various ocular surgeries, can hasten wound healing, and has vast prospects in the cosmetics industry. Notably, PGA’s biodegradability, high water-retaining capacity, and ability to create amide bonds make it a valuable component for polyamide-PGA, outperforming hyaluronic acid in terms of improved moisturizing properties ( Li et al, 2014 ; Cai et al, 2023 ). Bian et al (2016) reported that γ-PGA can improve the shear resistance of HA.…”

Polyglutamate: Unleashing the Versatility of a Biopolymer for Cosmetic Industry Applications

“…Further studies, such as those conducted by Shin-An Yang et al [61,62], explored the formulations of cosmetic products containing poly-γ-glutamic acid within specific concentrations and molecular weights. Their results demonstrated that PGA formulations promoted cell growth in fibroblast and keratinocyte cells, indicating biocompatibility and potential wound-healing properties.…”