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Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-2010
ISSN (Online): 1873-4316

Mini-Review Article

Applications and Functions of γ-Poly-Glutamic Acid and its Derivatives in Medicine

Author(s): Guoliang Wang, Qing Liu*, Young M. Yang, Soo-Ung Lee, Jee-Soo Han, Kyoung-Jin Jang, Dong Y. Kang, Nipin Sp, Zhandong Li and Tao Tong*

Volume 22, Issue 11, 2021

Published on: 18 November, 2020

Page: [1404 - 1411] Pages: 8

DOI: 10.2174/1389201021999201118161155

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: γ-Poly-Glutamic Acid (γ-PGA) is a naturally occurring homo-polyamide produced by various strains of Bacillus. It is made from repeating units of L-glutamic acid, D-glutamic acid, or both connected through amide linkages between α-amino and γ-carboxylic acid groups. As a biopolymer substance, the attractive properties of γ-PGA are that it is water-soluble, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and edible. Therefore, it can be used as a green and environmentally friendly biological material.

Methods: The review concentrates on the reports revealing the functions and potential use of γ-PGA and its derivatives in medicine.

Results & Discussion: γ-PGA is described to possess several properties that may be exploited in medicine. The biopolymer reportedly has been successfully applied not only as a metal chelator, drug carrier/ deliverer, and gene vector, but also used safely as a vaccine adjuvant, tissue engineering material, and contrast agent.

Conclusion: γ-PGA could be potentially considered as a potential biomedical material in the field of medicine.

Keywords: γ-Poly-glutamic acid, biopolymer, application, function, medicine, biological material.

Graphical Abstract

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