poly-γ-glutamic acid
PGA
$520.00
Poly-$\gamma$-glutamic acid ($\gamma$-PGA) is a naturally occurring, anionic biopolymer produced primarily through microbial fermentation (typically by Bacillus subtilis). It consists of glutamic acid monomers linked by amide bonds between the $\alpha$-amino and $\gamma$-carboxyl groups. Unlike synthetic polymers, $\gamma$-PGA is fully biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly water-soluble.
Storage and Stability Conditions
gamma-PGA is sensitive to humidity and extreme temperatures, which can lead to polymer chain degradation and loss of viscosity.
Humidity Control: It is highly hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture from the air). Once the seal is broken, it can clump or degrade. Store in a tightly sealed, moisture-proof container.
Temperature: * Commercial Powder: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, ideally between $2^\circ\text{C}$ and $20^\circ\text{C}$.
Lab/Research Grade: For long-term stability (exceeding 12 months), storage at $-20^\circ\text{C}$ is often recommended by suppliers to prevent any microbial activity or enzymatic degradation.
Light: Keep away from direct sunlight and strong UV light, which can weaken the peptide bonds over time.
Chemical Incompatibility: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents or highly alkaline solutions (pH > 10), which can cause the polymer to hydrolyze and lose its functional properties.
$\gamma$-PGA is a versatile "green" chemical used across high-value sectors due to its superior water-holding capacity—it can absorb up to 5,000 times its weight in water, significantly outperforming hyaluronic acid.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Humectant: Used in premium skincare as a powerful moisturizer. It forms a breathable, smooth film on the skin that locks in moisture and increases the production of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs).
Skin Whitening: It can inhibit melanin production by suppressing tyrosinase activity.
Hair Care: Improves hair strength and provides an antistatic effect in shampoos and conditioners.
Agriculture
Fertilizer Synergist: When added to fertilizers, $\gamma$-PGA prevents nutrient leaching by chelating minerals (like $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$) and keeping them available for plant roots.
Drought Resistance: Its water-retention properties help crops survive water-scarce conditions.
Soil Amendment: Helps balance soil pH and reduces the accumulation of toxic heavy metals through biosorption.
Food Industry
Texture Modifier: Used as a thickener and stabilizer in dairy products (like yogurt) and frozen foods to prevent ice crystal formation.
Bitterness Masking: Effective at reducing the bitter aftertaste of caffeine, minerals, and functional peptides in health drinks.
Cryoprotectant: Protects the viability of probiotics during freeze-drying and storage.
Water Treatment
Eco-friendly Flocculant: A biodegradable alternative to polyacrylamide (PAM) for treating wastewater, particularly for removing heavy metals and suspended solids.
