What is phenyllactic acid?
Phenyllactic acid, abbreviated as PLA, is an organic acid with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is also a promising natural preservative widely found in metabolic products of honey and lactic acid bacteria. Because it is non-toxic to humans, it is commonly used in the food processing industry as a green preservative and antimicrobial agent. PLA is extensively used in various fields, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
3-phenyllactic acid physical properties
Phenyllactic acid, also known as β-phenyllactic acid or 3-phenyllactic acid, is 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid with molecular formula C₉H₁₀O₃. Its relative molecular weight is 166, a small molecule antimicrobial substance. There are two enantiomers, including D-phenyllactic acid and L-phenyllactic acid.
Phenyllactic acid has relatively high hydrophilicity and can diffuse uniformly in various food systems. Phenyllactic acid has good stability, a melting point of 121-125°C, and is stable to acid and heat.
Forms of phenyllactic acid
Among the three forms of phenyllactic acid, D-3-phenyllactic acid is generally considered superior for antimicrobial applications in food preservation due to its stronger antimicrobial properties and natural occurrence in fermented foods.
L-3-phenyllactic acid has shown more promising results in certain biochemical and pharmaceutical applications. The racemic DL mixture offers a cost-effective alternative when stereospecific activity is not critical.
D-3-phenyllactic acid is the most commercially available and widely studied form, particularly in food science and preservation technology.
| Property | DL-3-phenyllactic acid | D-3-phenyllactic acid | L-(-)-3-phenyllactic acid |
| CAS Number | 828-01-3 | 7326-19-4 | 20312-36-1 |
| Other Names | Racemic 3-phenyllactic acid, β-phenyllactic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid | D-(+)-3-phenyllactic acid, (R)-3-phenyllactic acid | L-(-)-3-phenyllactic acid, (S)-3-phenyllactic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₁₀O₃ | C₉H₁₀O₃ | C₉H₁₀O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 166.17 g/mol | 166.17 g/mol | 166.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | White to off-white crystalline powder | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Food Sources | Fermented foods, sourdough | Fermented dairy products, sourdough bread, fermented vegetables | Less common in natural food sources |
| Specifications | Melting point: 121-125°C | Melting point: 125-127°C, [α]D^20: +26° to +29° (c=2, water) | Melting point: 121-123°C, [α]D^20: -26° to -29° (c=2, water) |
| Purity in Commercial Products | Typically 95-99% | Generally 98-99% | Typically 96-98% |
| Bioavailability | Moderate | Good | Moderate to good |
| Antimicrobial Potency | Good | Superior against most fungi and bacteria | Moderate |
| Half-life | 8-12 hours (estimated) | 10-14 hours (estimated) | 8-12 hours (estimated) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; resistant to heat and acid | Very stable; better thermal stability than L-form | Stable but slightly less than D-form |
| Commercial Popularity | Moderate | High | Low to moderate |
| Typical Pricing | $50-100/kg (bulk) | $100-250/kg (bulk) | $150-300/kg (bulk) |
| Main Benefits | Cost-effective antimicrobial for food preservation | Strong antimicrobial activity, natural preservative, generally recognized as safe | Potential pharmaceutical applications, biochemical research |
| Natural Occurrence | Present in many fermented foods | Predominantly produced by lactic acid bacteria in fermentation | Less common naturally |
| Production Method | Chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation | Primarily through microbial fermentation | Chemical synthesis or enzymatic conversion |
| Regulatory Status | Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) | GRAS status, approved food preservative in many countries | Less regulatory approval for food use |
| Research Interest | Moderate | High | Moderate, growing in biochemical applications |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and polar organic solvents | Soluble in water and polar organic solvents | Soluble in water and polar organic solvents |
Optical rotation properties for the three forms of phenyllactic acid:
| Form | CAS Number | Optical Rotation ([α]²⁰) | Measurement Conditions | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D‑3‑Phenyllactic acid | 7326‑19‑4 | +18.5° ± 1.5° | c = 1 (methanol/ethanol), 20°C | Dextrorotatory |
| L‑(–)-3‑Phenyllactic acid | 20312‑36‑1 | –20° ± 2° | c = 1 (water or suitable solvent), 20°C | Levorotatory |
| DL‑3‑Phenyllactic acid | 828‑01‑3 | 0° | Racemic mixture | No net rotation (D + L cancel) |
Phenyllactic Acid Uses
Phenyllactic acid is a versatile compound prized for its broad antimicrobial properties and functional versatility. It plays a key role across multiple industries:
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Food Preservation:
Phenyllactic acid is a natural preservative in fermented foods and dairy products. Its antimicrobial activity helps inhibit spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens, extending shelf life without synthetic additives. -
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Applications:
As a chiral building block, phenyllactic acid is an essential intermediate in synthesizing therapeutic agents. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also support the development of nutraceutical formulations. -
Cosmetics & Personal Care:
With its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, phenyllactic acid is incorporated into skincare and cosmetic products. It helps maintain product integrity and enhances the overall stability of formulations. -
Biotechnology & Industrial Synthesis:
In industrial settings, phenyllactic acid is a precursor for producing bioactive compounds and biodegradable polymers. Its chiral nature is especially valuable for synthesizing enantiomerically pure products. -
Agricultural Applications:
Phenyllactic acid serves in biostimulants and natural pesticides to improve plant health and protect crops from microbial infections.
Phenyllactic acid’s natural origin, proven efficacy, and multifunctional applications make it a preferred choice for research and commercial formulations. Whether used in food safety, pharmaceutical synthesis, cosmetic enhancement, or industrial biotechnology, phenyllactic acid delivers reliable performance and innovative potential.
D-Phenyllactic Acid Manufacturing Process
Cima Science Co., Ltd. has developed an advanced biosynthetic manufacturing process for high-purity D-3-phenyllactic acid (D-PLA, CAS 7326-19-4). Our natural fermentation technology produces premium D-phenyllactic acid powder utilizing selected lactic acid bacteria strains that convert L-phenylalanine to D-PLA through enzymatic pathways.
Cima Science’s downstream processing employs advanced separation techniques, including ultrafiltration and ion-exchange chromatography, to isolate pure D-phenylacetic acid from fermentation media. Our crystallization process ensures consistent crystal formation with precise particle size distribution. This multi-stage purification yields D-phenyllactic acid powder with ≥98% purity and excellent optical purity (≥99% D-isomer), making it superior to racemic DL-phenyllactic acid for antimicrobial applications.
Where to buy D-(+)-Phenyllactic Acid bulk Powder
Cima Science Co., Ltd. offers premium D-(+)-phenyllactic acid (D-PLA) bulk powder directly to food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturers worldwide. Our fermentation-derived D-phenyllactic acid maintains consistent 98%+ purity with optimal antimicrobial potency. Order D-PLA powder in quantities from 1kg to metric tons by contacting us via email or phone calls.
Bulk Ordering Options for D-Phenyllactic Acid
Our D-(+)-phenyllactic acid bulk powder is available in standard packaging configurations:
- 1kg aluminum pouches for research quantities
- 5kg and 25kg sealed drums for production requirements
- Custom packaging for specialized D-PLA applications
Volume discounts apply to quarterly and annual D-phenyllactic acid supply contracts. Contact our sales team at info@cimasci.com for current D-PLA pricing and availability.
Global Distribution Network for D-Phenyllactic Acid
Cima Science maintains a strategic inventory of D-(+)-phenyllactic acid at distribution centers in North America, Europe, and Asia. This ensures prompt delivery of D-PLA to manufacturers worldwide with typical lead times of 1-2 weeks for standard orders. Expedited shipping options available for urgent D-phenyllactic acid requirements.
Quality Assurance for Every D-PLA Order
Each shipment of D-(+)-phenyllactic acid includes:
- Comprehensive Certificate of Analysis
- Optical purity verification ([α]D²⁰ +26° to +29°)
- Microbial testing documentation
- Lot-specific HPLC chromatograms
- Stability data for D-phenyllactic acid
Technical Support for D-Phenyllactic Acid Applications
Our technical team provides comprehensive guidance on D-(+)-phenyllactic acid applications:
- Formulation assistance for food preservation systems
- D-PLA stability data in various matrices
- Antimicrobial efficacy testing protocols
- Regulatory compliance documentation
D-Phenyllactic Acid Sample Program
Qualified businesses can request D-(+)-phenyllactic acid samples before placing bulk orders. Our sample program includes:
- 50g D-PLA evaluation quantities
- Application-specific technical data
- Personalized consultation with our phenyllactic acid experts
