@article {47411,
	title = {Poly-gamma-glutamic acid biopolymer: a sleeping giant with diverse applications and unique opportunities for commercialization},
	journal = {Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery},
	year = {2021},
	month = {APR},
	type = {Review; Early Access},
	abstract = {<p>Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) is a biodegradable, non-toxic, ecofriendly, and non-immunogenic biopolymer. Its phenomenal properties have gained immense attention in the field of regenerative medicine, the food industry, wastewater treatment, and even in 3D printing bio-ink. The gamma-PGA has the potential to replace synthetic non-degradable counterparts, but the main obstacle is the high production cost and lower productivity. Extensive research has been carried out to reduce the production cost by using different waste; however, it is unable to match the commercialization needs. This review focuses on the biosynthetic mechanism of gamma-PGA, its production using the synthetic medium as well as different wastes by L-glutamic acid-dependent and independent microbial strains. Furthermore, various metabolic engineering strategies and the recovery processes for gamma-PGA and their possible applications are discussed. Finally, highlights on the challenges and unique approaches to reduce the production cost and to increase the productivity for commercialization of gamma-PGA are also summarized.</p>},
	keywords = {Commercialization, Multi-nutritious, Poly-gamma-glutamic acid, Waste valorization},
	issn = {2190-6815},
	doi = {10.1007/s13399-021-01467-0, Early Access Date = APR 2021},
	author = {Nair, Pranav and Navale, Govinda R. and Dharne, Mahesh S.}
}
