ε-Polylysine (EPL / Epsilon Polylysine) — Organic Natural Preservative for Food & Cosmetics

What is ε-Polylysine?
ε-Polylysine (ε-poly-L-lysine, abbreviated EPL / ε-PL) is a natural-origin cationic antimicrobial polymer fermented from *Streptomyces albulus*. It disrupts microbial cell membranes to deliver a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on fungi, Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses，achieving fast and long-lasting antimicrobial control.

FDA GRAS approved, this organic biopreservative is widely applied in food, cosmetics, personal care and household chemical products.

Key Advantages
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial: effective against fungi, Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses
- Optimal activity window: peak performance at molecular weight 3600–4300; activity drops sharply below MW 1300
- Outstanding thermal stability: stable at 120°C for 20 minutes, inhibits thermophilic bacteria and compatible with high-temperature food processing
- Wide active pH range 2.0–9.0: maintains efficacy from slightly acidic to weakly alkaline formulations
- High water solubility: up to 500 g/L, colorless and tasteless, will not alter original product flavor
- Excellent safety profile: LD50 ≤5.0 g/kg (comparable to sodium chloride toxicity). It metabolizes into essential L-lysine inside the human body without adverse health risks
- Strong synergistic effect: antimicrobial potency greatly enhanced when combined with alcohol, vinegar, organic acids, glycine, vitamins, EDTA and monoglycerides

Physical & Chemical Properties
- Molecular formula: [C₆H₁₂N₂O]ₙ·H₂O (n=25–35)
- Relative molecular weight: 4130–5776
- CAS No: 28211-04-3
- Appearance: pale yellow, nearly odorless, hygroscopic powder
- Solubility: freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol

Application Fields
Food Applications
Processed meat, sausages, ham, ready-cooked poultry, noodles, pasta, cakes, biscuits, confectionery, jams, butter, sauces, pickles, flour and rice.
Beverages: fruit & vegetable juices, wine, tea, coffee, dairy drinks.
Dairy products: yogurt, ice cream, chocolate.
Feed & drinking water: for poultry disease prevention.

Cosmetics, Personal Care & Household Applications
Clean beauty skincare, lotions, serums, masks, cleansing products, decorative cosmetics, toothpaste, soap, hand wash, wet wipes, baby diapers and household cleaners.
It serves as a mild, non-irritating, paraben-free green preservative alternative for clean-label formulations. It can also be used as a carrier for pharmaceutical active molecules and hygiene articles.

Medical Applications
Studied for auxiliary use in leukemia prevention and obesity management.

Comparison with Other Natural Biopreservatives
- Natamycin: Only inhibits mold, yeast and fungi; inactive vs bacteria and viruses; poor water solubility; heat tolerance up to 100°C under dry conditions
- Nisin: Only effective for Gram-positive bacteria; no activity against Gram-negative bacteria, yeast and mold; limited pH & thermal stability
- ε-Polylysine: Broad-spectrum coverage for fungi, Gram(+)/Gram(-) bacteria, yeast, mold and viruses; stable across pH 2–9 and withstands 120°C thermal processing

Recommended Dosage
Food: 0.02–0.2 g/kg; Cosmetics: 0.05–0.15% (varies by formulation and microbial load)

Regulatory & Compliance Timeline
- 1989: Approved for food use in Japan as natural food supplement
- Jul 2003: FDA GRAS food additive approval (GRN 0001351); scope expanded Apr 2010 (GRN 000336)
- 2008: Approved as dietary supplement in Korea
- Apr 2014: Approved under China Food Safety Law (GB 2760)
> Important note: food, feed and cosmetic regulations differ by territory. Always verify local regulatory requirements before formulation.

Storage & Shelf Life
Seal tightly, avoid direct sunlight, store below 15°C. Shelf life: 24 months.

Why Fullsail
As a professional supplier of natural preservative solutions for food and cosmetic industries, FULLSAIL provides stable ε-Polylysine supply, technical formulation guidance, COA, TDS and MSDS documents for global clients.
Contact us for samples and customized preservation programmes.

FAQ
Q: Is ε-Polylysine a paraben replacement for cosmetics?
A: Yes, it is a clean-label natural preservative, mild and non-irritating, widely used to replace parabens in skincare and personal care formulas.
Q: Can ε-Polylysine survive high-temperature food sterilization?
A: Yes, it remains stable at 120°C for 20 min, suitable for thermal food processing.
Q: Is ε-Polylysine safe for food contact?
A: It is FDA GRAS approved and listed in GB2760, safe for permitted food applications following recommended dosage.