Tailored poly-Gamma-glutamic acid production with Bacillus subtilis 168

Poly-Gamma-glutamic acid (Gamma-PGA) is a biopolymer with various industrial applications. Despite its diverse applications, Gamma-PGA of defined molecular structure is costly. Sustainable synthesis of designer-Gamma-PGA was achieved with a B. subtilis 168 derivative as host. In-depth investigations of the metabolism provided new targets for enhanced Gamma-PGA synthesis. The developed strains and cultivation conditions demonstrate the huge potential of microbial Gamma-PGA for the use in industrial applications.