Issue 50, 2016, Issue in Progress

Esterification of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) mediated by its tetrabutylammonium salt

Abstract

Poly(γ-glutamic acid) is a linear anionic biopolymer synthesized by bacterial fermentation from sustainable resources. Being water soluble, biodegradable, edible and non-toxic to humans and the environment, applications of γ-PGA are of interest in a broad range of industrial sectors. However, preparation of γ-PGA derivatives is plagued by several difficulties including its scarce solubility in organic solvents. We here report a γ-PGA derivatization procedure based on the use of its tetrabutylammonium salt. The modified solubility of γ-PGA provided by counterion exchange led to the synthesis of poly(α-ethyl-γ-glutamate), poly(α-benzyl-γ-glutamate) and poly(α-n-butyl-γ-glutamate) under smoother conditions and an almost complete functionalization degree.

Graphical abstract: Esterification of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) mediated by its tetrabutylammonium salt

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Apr 2016
Accepted
25 Apr 2016
First published
26 Apr 2016

RSC Adv., 2016,6, 43954-43958

Esterification of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) mediated by its tetrabutylammonium salt

M. Biagiotti, G. Borghese, P. Francescato, C. F. Morelli, A. M. Albertini, T. Bavaro, D. Ubiali, R. Mendichi and G. Speranza, RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 43954 DOI: 10.1039/C6RA08567A

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