ε-Polylysine Hydrochloride is a substance derived from the controlled fermentation broth of Streptomyces diastatochromogenes or Streptomyces albulus. It is obtained through processes such as ion-exchange resin adsorption, desorption, and purification. Below is a detailed introduction to ε-polylysine hydrochloride:

I. Physical Properties

·Appearance: A light yellow powder with strong hygroscopicity and a slightly bitter taste.

·Solubility: Easily soluble in water.

II. Chemical Properties

·Stability: Heat-stable, maintaining its activity even at 120°C for 20 minutes.

pH Influence: It is minimally affected by pH levels and can still exhibit excellent antibacterial effects in neutral and slightly acidic environments.

·Activity Influences: Its activity may decrease when combined with acidic polysaccharides, hydrochlorides, phosphates, or copper ions. However, when used in combination with hydrochloric acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycine, or fatty glycerides, it can have a synergistic effect.

III. Applications

·Food Preservation: As a preservative, ε-polylysine hydrochloride has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. It can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria. Therefore, it is widely used for the preservation of fruits, vegetables, beans, edible fungi, rice and related products, wheat flour and its products, whole grain products, meat and meat products, condiments, beverages, and more.

·Personal Care Products: In the cosmetic and personal care industry, ε-polylysine hydrochloride is used in products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, kitchen cleaners, sanitary napkins, and baby diapers due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, ensuring product quality and safety.

·Pharmaceutical Applications: ε-Polylysine hydrochloride, rich in cations, has a strong electrostatic interaction with anionic substances and demonstrates good membrane penetration. It can be used as a carrier for certain drugs. Additionally, it can form conjugates with drugs like methotrexate, enhancing their efficacy.

IV. Safety

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is a safe and non-toxic food additive and preservative. In the human body, it breaks down into lysine, which is fully digestible and absorbable without any toxic side effects. It has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe food preservative.

ε-Polylysine hydrochloride is a preservative, fresh-keeping agent, and functional additive with a broad range of promising applications.