Bacterial-Derived Polymer Poly-y-Glutamic Acid (y-PGA)-Based Micro/Nanoparticles as a Delivery System for Antimicrobials and Other Biomedical Applications

摘要

Abstract: In the past decade, poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA)-based micro/nanoparticles have garneredudremarkable attention as antimicrobial agents and for drug delivery, owing to their controlled andudsustained-release properties, low toxicity, as well as biocompatibility with tissue and cells. γ-PGAudis a naturally occurring biopolymer produced by several gram-positive bacteria that, due to itsudbiodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic properties, has been used successfully in theudmedical, food and wastewater industries. Moreover, its carboxylic group on the side chains can offerudan attachment point to conjugate antimicrobial and various therapeutic agents, or to chemicallyudmodify the solubility of the biopolymer. The unique characteristics of γ-PGA have a promisingudfuture for medical and pharmaceutical applications. In the present review, the structure, propertiesudand micro/nanoparticle preparation methods of γ-PGA and its derivatives are covered. Also, weudhave highlighted the impact of micro/nanoencapsulation or immobilisation of antimicrobial agentsudand various disease-related drugs on biodegradable γ-PGA micro/nanoparticles.