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Food-grade ε-Polylysine

ε-Polylysine, also known as epsilon-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), has a variety of properties, including thermal stability, resistance to acidic conditions, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide used as a food preservative. It is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces bacteria. ε-Polylysine inhibits the growth of various microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds, making it effective in extending the shelf life of food products.

ε-Polylysine has both cationic and hydrophobic properties due to the presence of four carbon (C4) between the amino groups. This slightly bitter, hygroscopic powder dissolves readily in water and exhibits slight solubility in ethanol. Comprised of a straight-chain polymer of L-lysine, its potency remains unaffected by pH variations and sustains stability even at high temperatures (120 ºC for 20 min), ensuring consistent performance.

ε-Polylysine Products Options

Food Grade ε-Polylysine

Cosmetic Grade ε-Polylysine

Pharmaceutical Grade ε-Polylysine

Research Grade ε-Polylysine

Food Grade ε-Polylysine Product Overview

Xanthan gum is used in food production to improve the texture, consistency and shelf-life of foods such as salad dressings, soups, sauces and baked goods. It is particularly useful for those with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity who must follow a gluten-free diet. This is because gluten-free substitutes for wheat flour need additives like xanthan gum to achieve a product that resembles the crumb and lightness of regular bakes. Xanthan gum does this by thickening and binding starches, mimicking the elastic properties of gluten. Xanthan gum is purchased in powder form and dissolves easily in water.

Parameter Specification Key Features
CAS Number 28211-04-3
  • Profoundly inhibits bacteria, yeasts, and molds, especially targeting Gram-negative bacteria resistant to other agents.
  • Offers high safety, solubility, and stability, preserving taste while exhibiting antibacterial properties in neutral or slightly acidic conditions.
  • Exhibits stability against heat, enabling control of heat-resistant bacteria and certain noncontractile siphovirus strains.
Chemical Formula (C6H12N2O•HCl)n
Purity ≥95%
Moisture ≤10%
pH (1% solution) 4.5–7.0
Heavy Metals <10 ppm
Microbial Limits Pathogen-free, low bioburden
Appearance Light yellow powder

Formulation Guideline for ε-Polylysine in Food Products

General Usage Parameters

Item Guideline
Form Used ε-PL hydrochloride (powder or aqueous solution)
Solubility Completely water-soluble
Recommended pH Best activity at pH 4.0–7.0
Effective Range 20–500 ppm (depending on product & regulation)
Thermal Stability Retains activity after pasteurization or retort

Incorporation Method

Dry Blending (Powder Form)

  • Mix ε-PL powder with dry ingredients (e.g., flour, starch, protein powder)
  • Ensure even dispersion in small-scale mixes or through premixing

Solution Addition (Liquid Form)

  • Dissolve ε-PL in purified water (1–5% solution)
  • Add during mixing or blending step
  • Homogenize or stir vigorously to ensure even distribution

Surface Application (Spray)

  • Prepare 0.5–1.0% aqueous ε-PL solution
  • Spray onto surfaces (e.g., meats, cakes, wraps)
  • Air-dry or vacuum-pack immediately after application

ε-Polylysine Production

ε-Polylysine has received the FDA GRAS certification in the United States. GRAS certification is subject to rigorous review not only of the substance itself, but also of the manufacturing process.

Main Microbial Strain

Streptomyces albulus

  • Natural ε-PL producer
  • Can be enhanced through strain improvement or genetic engineering

Fermentation Conditions

Parameter Value / Range
Carbon Source Glucose, glycerol, sucrose
Nitrogen Source Ammonium sulfate, corn steep liquor
pH Control 5.0–5.5 (acidic pH favors ε-PL synthesis)
Temperature 30–37°C
Aeration 0.5–1.0 vvm
Time 72–96 hours
Yield (typical) 1–4 g/L (lab); up to 10–15 g/L (optimized)

Downstream Processing

  • Broth Clarification: centrifuge and filter
  • Acid Precipitation: lower pH to ~3–4 to precipitate ε-PL
  • Ultrafiltration / Diafiltration: remove small molecules and pigments
  • Ion Exchange Chromatography: further purification
  • Drying: vacuum or spray drying
  • Final Product: ε-PL powder, 95–99% purity

ε-Polylysine vs. Nisin vs. Natamycin as Natural Food Preservatives

Feature / Parameter ε-Polylysine Nisin Natamycin
Origin Streptomyces albulus Lactococcus lactis (subsp. lactis) Streptomyces natalensis or S. gilvosporeus
Molecular Type Cationic polypeptide (25–35 L-lysine residues) Lantibiotic (small peptide, ~3.3 kDa) Polyene macrolide antifungal
Molecular Weight ~3–5 kDa ~3.4 kDa ~665 Da
Solubility Water-soluble Water-soluble Poorly water-soluble (often in ethanol dispersion)
Stability (pH) Stable 3–8 Stable 3–6.5 (degrades in alkaline pH) Stable 3–9
Stability (Heat) Very stable Heat-stable (used in processed cheese, etc.) Heat-sensitive at high temps
Target Microbes Broad-spectrum: bacteria (Gram±), yeasts, molds Narrow-spectrum: mostly Gram-positive bacteria Broad-spectrum: yeasts and molds
Mechanism of Action Disrupts microbial membranes Pore-forming in bacterial membranes (lipid II target) Binds ergosterol in fungal membranes
Usage Concentration 10–500 ppm (depending on matrix) 2.5–25 ppm 1–10 ppm (surface use common)
Applications Rice, noodles, beverages, sauces, bakery Dairy (cheese), meat, canned goods, beverages Surface of cheese, sausages, baked goods
Typical Form Powder, liquid solution Powder (pure or standardized) Powder, 50% dispersion
Toxicity / Safety Non-toxic, safe for consumption ADI = 0.13 mg/kg (JECFA) ADI = 0.3 mg/kg (JECFA)
Labeling "ε-Polylysine" or "Natural preservative" "Nisin" or "E234" "Natamycin" or "E235"
GMO Status Non-GMO production strains available Traditional fermentation Non-GMO
GRAS Status (USA) Yes Yes Yes
EU Approval Under review (novel food) Approved as E234 Approved as E235

Optimized Production Platform

Creative Biogene utilizes a wide range of microorganisms to produce hyaluronic acid for cosmetic uses. Our fermentation facility is fully equipped and complaint with the current good manufacturing practice. We can provide you with efficient solutions for large-scale manufacturing.

Customer Reviews

Partner with Us

Whether you are looking for a reliable partner for small-scale R&D or large-scale commercial production of ε-Polylysine, our Food-Grade ε-Polylysine CDMO services provide the expertise, flexibility, and quality you need. From fermentation and purification to formulation and regulatory compliance, we are equipped to support every stage of your ε-Polylysine production process, helping you deliver superior products to your customers.

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