A review of the clinical applications of gamma polyglutamic acid

A review of the clinical applications of gamma polyglutamic acid
Razieh Eini,^1,*
Introduction: Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a natural biopolymer composed of duplicate units of L-glutamic acid, D-glutamic acid, or both. Different types of bacteria produce this polymer, each of which has a unique property. It has two isoforms of gamma polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) and alpha polyglutamic acid (α-PGA ) . γ-PGA exhibits different properties (conformational modes, antimicrobial properties, and molecular weight). Due to the specific nature for example biodegradable , non-toxicity is used in the food, medical and water industries. In clinical applications, α-PGA has been used for drug delivery. γ-PGA is essentially different from α-PGA and is resistant to proteases. Other applications include the role of gene transfer. The various applications of this polymer depend on its structure and shape. In this study, the factors affecting the structure and clinical applications of gamma glutamate have been investigated.
Methods: In this study, studies related to gamma polyglutamic acid from pubmed databases over the past few years were reviewed. Factors affecting the structure that cause variation in the application of this biodegradable polymer and its clinical applications were investigated.
Results: This polymer is produced by different species of bacteria and in each species has a unique molecular weight and structure. This structural diversity has led to diversity in its application. Due to its properties, this polymer can be used in various industries such as food, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Factors affecting its structure include ionic strength, concentration and pH. In fact, PGA has a very sensitive structure. Hydrophilicity and high reactivity play an important role in biological functions and unusual structural properties.
Conclusion: Gamma polyglutamic acid nanoparticles are used as carriers of anti-cancer drugs. Nanoparticles made from gammaglutamic acid have received a great deal of attention due to their ease of production and purification and their suitable biological properties. In new gene transfer systems, cationic complexes coated with polyglutamic acid nanoparticles are used for more effective and safer treatment. Design of microneedle structures based on gamma-glutamic acid can be a tool to improve subcutaneous insulin injection. The results of studies show that γ-PGA increases calcium solubility and thus increases calcium absorption in mice.
Keywords: : glutamic acid, γ-PGA, α-PGA, biodegradable, drug delivery.