title: New biological functions and applications of high-molecular-mass poly-gamma-glutamic acid.
abstract: Ultra-high-molecular-weight poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) is a most promising biodegradable polymer that is produced by Bacillus subtilis (chungkookjang). Attractive properties of gamma-PGA are that it is water soluble, anionic, biodegradable, and edible. Development of gamma-PGA has pursued in terms of cosmetics/skin care, bone care, nanoparticle for drug delivery system, hydrogel, and so on. Very recently, our research has shown that gamma-PGA can be used as an immune-stimulating agent, especially at high molecular weight. This review presents the synthesis and production of high-molecular-weight gamma-PGA and its various applications in industrial fields.
authors.affiliation: KRIBB, 52 Oun-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.
authors.forename: Haryoung
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Poo
authors.forename: Chung
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Mi-Sun
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kwak
authors.forename: Doo-Yeol
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Seung-Pyo
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Il-Han
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yong Taik
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Young Ki
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sun-Ryang
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Uyama
authors.forename: Chul-Joong
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Moon-Hee
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Sung
mesh_terms: D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000378:metabolism; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000737:chemistry; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D020100:Hydrogels; D007155:Immunologic Factors; C511775:poly(gamma-glutamic acid); D011099:Polyglutamic Acid