ε-Polylysine (CAS 28211-04-3, E239) is a natural, highly effective antimicrobial peptide produced through the fermentation of Streptomyces bacteria. It is a biodegradable, safe preservative widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries to inhibit a broad spectrum of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, thereby extending product shelf life.
Application: ε-Polylysine is widely used in (1) food Industry: used as a natural biopreservative in products like rice, noodles, cooked meats, and beverages to prevent spoilage. (2) cosmetics: acts as a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly antibacterial agent in skincare products such as serums, milky lotions, and cleansers. (3) pharmaceuticals: functions as a drug or vaccine carrier and can be used in medical coatings for cell culture vessels.
Features: It has notable features of (1) safety: recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the US FDA and other regulatory bodies. (2) stability: it remains stable under high temperatures (up to 120°C) and across a wide pH range (3–9). (3) physical form: typically appears as a white to cream-yellow crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water.
