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Amino-Acid Homopolymers Occurring in Nature pp 155–168Cite as

Food Applications of Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid

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Part of the book series: Microbiology Monographs ((MICROMONO,volume 15))

Abstract

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a unique polymer in which both d- and l-glutamic acids are combined with γ-linkages. γ-PGA is safe, water soluble, anionic, and edible substance, which has many features such as high water absorbability, viscosity, metal-binding property, less susceptible for intestinal enzymes, and tasteless, etc. and the production of which has been already industrially established. Therefore, γ-PGA is highly attractive, promising food ingredient in the food industry. Several food applications using its physiological and physical properties modifying and taste perception modifying function have been demonstrated at present. However, the mechanism which γ-PGA demonstrates its functions and the relationships between the functions and its structural properties (molecular weight, d/l ratio, etc.) has not been understood. Detailed research in this area will be needed and clarity in this area will lead to develop more attractive applications of γ-PGA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Quality Assurance Group, Quality Assurance & External Scientific Affairs Department, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 15-1, Kyobashi 1-Chome, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-8315, Japan

    Hiroyuki Tanimoto

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  1. Hiroyuki Tanimoto
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Correspondence to Hiroyuki Tanimoto .

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  1. , Department of Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Matsuoka-Kenjojima, Eiheiji-cho 4-1-1, Fukui, 910-1195, Japan

    Yoshimitsu Hamano

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Tanimoto, H. (2010). Food Applications of Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid. In: Hamano, Y. (eds) Amino-Acid Homopolymers Occurring in Nature. Microbiology Monographs, vol 15. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12453-2_8

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