@article {48688,
	title = {Effective valorization of blackstrap molasses to poly gamma glutamic acid (γ-PGA) using L-glutamic acid independent feeding approach and its significance as drought mitigator in wheat plant},
	journal = {Industrial Crops and Products},
	volume = {202},
	year = {2023},
	month = {OCT},
	pages = {116985},
	type = {Article},
	abstract = {<p>
	One of the finest approaches towards sustainable waste management is its effective valorization to value-added products (VAPs). Waste valorization is garnering considerable attention since it delivers substantial advantages, including environmental stability and a sustainable and viable platform for producing different VAPs. One such VAP is the poly gamma glutamic acid (\&amp; gamma;- PGA), an extortionate biopolymer known to date. Its exorbitant cost is the main barrier preventing \&amp; gamma;- PGA from becoming commercially viable. Hence, the key to the successful commercialization of \&amp; gamma;- PGA is its sustainable and cost-effective production. In the present study, the ability of Bacillus paralicheniformis NCIM 5769 to utilize molasses for \&amp; gamma;-PGA production with minimal nutrients was investigated. Results showed that 30\% molasses combined with 2\% ammonium nitrate was the optimal medium for \&amp; gamma;-PGA production. Additionally, the anti-drought activity of the synthesized \&amp; gamma;-PGA was evaluated on wheat plants showing significantly higher shoot length, biomass content, and germination rate compared to the control group. These findings suggest that \&amp; gamma;-PGA produced from molasses has the potential to be used as a drought mitigator in wheat plant, thereby achieving the mission of circular economy and sustainable development goal (SGD) 12, i.e. pursuing sustainability patterns for consumption \&amp; production.</p>
},
	keywords = {Anti-drought, circular economy, Poly gamma glutamic acid, Sustainable, Waste valorization},
	issn = {0926-6690},
	doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.116985},
	author = {Nair, Pranav G. and Dharne, Mahesh S.}
}
@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 = {2023},
	month = {APR},
	type = {Review},
	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.}
}
