Antimicrobial Agent ε-Polylysine Hydrochloride,for Pharmaceutical Purposes

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PL·HCl), as a novel antimicrobial agent, has garnered widespread attention and application in recent years. Below is a detailed analysis of its characteristics, functions, and applications:

I. Characteristics

·Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum:

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride can effectively inhibit Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, molds, and various other microorganisms. This broad-spectrum antimicrobial property gives it potential applications in various fields.

·Heat Resistance:

In high-temperature environments (e.g., maintaining 121°C for 30 minutes),ε-polylysine hydrochloride does not decompose. Therefore, it can be used in product heat treatment processes along with raw materials without losing its antimicrobial effect.

·High Water Solubility:

This substance is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of at least 500 g/L. This characteristic makes it easy to add and mix in the processing of food, cosmetics, and other industries.

·Wide pH Range:

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride exhibits strong antimicrobial activity within a pH range of 2 to 9. This feature compensates for the low activity of other preservatives under neutral and alkaline conditions, broadening its application scope.

·Strong Synergistic Effects:

When used in combination with other food additives (such as acetic acid, ethanol, glycine, organic acids, etc.), ε-Polylysine hydrochloride can produce synergistic effects, significantly enhancing antimicrobial efficacy.

·High Safety:

Acute toxicity tests show that the LD50 of ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is 5 g/kg, comparable to table salt. After ingestion, it degrades into lysine, a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body without any toxic or side effects.

·Health Benefits:

Research shows that ε-Polylysine hydrochloride can also effectively inhibit enzyme activity and fat absorption, thereby reducing the occurrence of obesity. This discovery offers new avenues for its application in the health food sector.

II. Functions

·Antimicrobial Preservation:

As a natural, safe, and efficient antimicrobial preservative, ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. In food, it can effectively extend shelf life and prevent spoilage; in personal care products, it inhibits bacterial growth, maintaining product cleanliness and hygiene.

·Nutritional Supplementation:

After ingestion, ε-Polylysine hydrochloride degrades into lysine, a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids for humans and plays an important role in promoting growth and development, as well as enhancing immunity.

III. Applications

·Food Industry:

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is widely used in various foods such as cakes, pastries, fast foods, butter, salad dressings, beverages, meat products, and canned foods. The amount used varies depending on the type of food but generally falls within safe and reasonable limits.

·Cosmetics Industry:

Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and heat-resistant properties, ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is also used in personal care products such as detergents and skincare products. It effectively inhibits bacterial growth, maintaining product cleanliness and hygiene.

·Pharmaceutical Industry:

In the pharmaceutical field, ε-Polylysine hydrochloride also holds potential applications. It can be used as an excipient or a formulation component in drugs, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the medication.

As a novel antimicrobial agent, ε-Polylysine hydrochloride has broad application prospects and significant research value.