ε-Polylysine (E-Polylysine) — Organic Natural Preservative for Food & Cosmetics
Description
ε-Polylysine (ε-poly-L-lysine) is an organic, natural-origin antimicrobial polymer produced by the fermentation of Streptomyces albulus. A cationic surfactant, it works by destroying the cell membranes of microorganisms. It offers an exceptionally broad antimicrobial spectrum against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and even viruses. FDA GRAS approved, ε-Polylysine is widely used as a natural preservative in food, cosmetics, personal care and household chemical products.
Key Advantages
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial: effective against fungi, Gram+, Gram- bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses
- Superior activity window: highest activity at molecular weight 3600-4300, loses activity below 1300
- Excellent thermal stability: does not decompose at 120°C/20min; inhibits thermophilic bacteria, allows co-processing with raw materials
- Wide pH range (2.0-9.0): retains activity from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
- Highly water-soluble: up to 500 g/L, colorless and tasteless, without affecting product flavor
- High safety: LD50 not more than 5.0 g/kg (equivalent to salt toxicity); broken down into essential L-lysine and absorbed with no adverse health effects
- Strong synergy: activity greatly boosted when blended with vinegar, alcohol, vitamins, organic acids, glycine, EDTA and monoglycerides
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Molecular formula: [C6H12N2O]n·H2O (n=25-35), relative molecular weight 4130-5776, CAS No: 728211-04-3
- Pale yellow powder, hygroscopic, almost odorless; soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Antibacterial Mechanism
ε-Polylysine acts as a cationic surfactant that destroys the cell membranes of microorganisms, followed by disruption of their internal structure — delivering rapid and lasting antimicrobial effect.
Food Applications
- Processed foods, cakes, biscuits, confectionery, jams, butter, sauces, cooked meats, noodles, pasta
- Beverages: fruit & vegetable juices, wine, coffee, tea, dairy drinks
- Dairy: yogurt, ice cream, chocolate; pickles, flour, rice
- Meat: sausages, ham, cooked & prepared meat products
- Poultry: finished poultry products
- Feed & drinking water: prevents many poultry diseases
Cosmetics, Personal Care & Household Applications
- Decorative cosmetics, toothpaste, soaps, handwashes, wipes, baby diapers and cleaning products
- Natural preservative / antimicrobial booster in skincare, lotions, serums, masks and cleansing products
- A green-label alternative to traditional chemical preservatives (parabens) — mild, safe and non-irritating
- Also used as a carrier for pharmaceutical molecules and in hygiene products
Medical Applications
Used as an aid in the prevention of leukemia and in combating obesity.
Comparison with Other Biopreservatives
- Natamycin: effective against mold, yeast and fungus only, not bacteria or viruses; poorly water-soluble; withstands heating up to 100°C dry
- Nisin: effective against Gram-positive bacteria only, not Gram-negative bacteria or yeast; limited pH and heat resistance
- ε-Polylysine: works against fungi, Gram+, Gram- bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses — over wide pH 2-9 and at high temperature 120°C
Regulatory / Compliance Milestones
- 1989: Described as natural supplement, approved for food use in Japan
- July 2003: FDA GRAS, food additive approval (GRN 0001351); scope expanded April 2010 (GRN 000336)
- 2008: Approved as dietary supplement by FDA in Korea
- April 2014: Approved under China Food Safety Law
- Regulations for food, feed and personal care vary by country — local compliance should be consulted
Storage & Shelf-life
Seal, keep away from direct sunlight, store below 15°C. Shelf life: 2 years.
Why Fullsail
As a Food Industry Natural Preservative Solutions provider, FULLSAIL delivers whole-food-industry
