Product Introduction

Polylysine (Poly-lysine, abbreviated as ε-PL) is a natural biopolymer (polypeptide) composed of lysine monomers linked by peptide bonds. It is not a chemically synthesized substance but is produced through the fermentation of specific microorganisms (such as Streptomyces albulus), belonging to bioengineering technology products and is eco-friendly and safe.

Main Types:

ε-Poly-L-lysine:
The most common type, where lysine monomers are linked via the ε-amino and α-carboxyl groups. It exhibits good water solubility and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, making it the primary form used in food and cosmetics.

α-Poly-L-lysine:
Linked via the α-amino and α-carboxyl groups, typically used in biomedical research such as cell culture.

Core Characteristics and Advantages:

Natural Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Action:
Its positively charged molecular structure can disrupt the negatively charged cell membranes of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, some viruses), causing leakage of cellular contents, thereby achieving efficient bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. It shows significant efficacy against skin problem-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

High Safety:
The human body can break it down into lysine (an essential amino acid) for absorption and utilization. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and has excellent biocompatibility. It has been approved for use as a food additive in Japan, the USA, South Korea, and China, with its safety fully assured.

Water Solubility and Thermal Stability:
Easily soluble in water, heat-resistant, compatible in cosmetic formulations, and easy to incorporate.

Application Fields

Food Industry

Preservation and Freshness Retention: Inhibits common pathogenic bacteria, extending the shelf life of food products.

Emulsification Enhancement: Improves emulsifying performance through covalent binding with dextran.

Health Functions: Inhibits fat absorption, possessing potential for developing weight loss and health supplements.

Medical Field

Drug Delivery Carrier: Used in nanomicelles, microspheres, composite tablets, etc., to improve drug loading efficiency and biocompatibility.

Antimicrobial Materials: Used in combination with antibiotics to reduce resistance, applied in wound dressings, antimicrobial coatings, etc.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Moisturizing: Amino and carboxyl structures adsorb water, forming a protective film.

Preservation: Exerts stable bacteriostatic effects within a pH range of 2–12.

Acne Improvement: Inhibits Cutibacterium acnes, regulating skin microbiota balance.

Hair Conditioning: Cationic properties reduce static electricity, enhancing hair smoothness and manageability.

ε-Polylysine, with its characteristics of efficient bacteriostatic action, safety and biodegradability, and functional versatility, has become an important raw material in fields such as food preservation, medical delivery systems, and cosmetic active ingredients. With the advancement of biomanufacturing technology and the continuous expansion of application scenarios, polylysine and its derivatives are expected to play an even broader role in the health industry.