E-Polylysine is a small natural homopolymer of the essential amino acid L-lysine that is produced by bacterial fermentation. ε-Poly-L-lysine is used as a natural preservative in food products.ε-Polylysine belongs to the group of cationic polymers. In water, ε-polylysine contains a positively charged hydrophilic amino group . According to research, ε-polylysine is adsorbed electrostatically to the cell surface of the bacteria, followed by a stripping of the outer membrane. This eventually leads to the abnormal distribution of the causing damage to the bacterial cell.
E-Polylysine is a high-efficiency antimicrobial agent or preservative. It is produced from a fermentation process using Streptomyces albulus under aerobic conditions. It has obvious inhibition to gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, mould, virus. In addition, it also has excellent safety, therefore it is widely used as an antistaling agent.
ε-Polylysine is pale yellow powder, strong hygroscopicity, slightly bitter; Easily soluble in water and hydrochloric acid, Not in organic solvents such as alcohol,ether.