Absorbent polymers and methods thereof

Abstract

Among other things, the present disclosure provides technologies for manufacturing polymers, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides polymers, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked polymers, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides manufactured products comprising polymers, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 ABSORBENT POLYMERS AND METHODS THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 642,564, filed May 03, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to, among other things, absorbent polymers and methods thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] Relative to their own mass, high-performance absorbent polymers (may also be referred to as super absorbent polymers (SAPs)) can absorb and retain a large amount of a liquid (e.g., water and aqueous solutions). For example, applications in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and female hygiene products comprise some of the common and large uses for SAPs. Traditionally, SAPs utilized in these applications were made of partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid) [PAA] and / or poly(acrylamide) [PAM] chains that are crosslinked using a variety of different crosslinkers. Despite their broad use, SAPs based on these crosslinked polymers have a multitude of issues including but not limited to [1] sustainability concerns surrounding the production processes of petroleum-based polymers (e.g. contributions to greenhouse emissions due to its high content of fossil-derived carbon; taking hundreds of thousands of years to form naturally and only a short time to consume); [2] toxicity concerns stemming from acrylamide from PAA-based SAP products; [3] lack of biodegradability of the SAP resulting in poor end-of-life properties of these products, resulting in the need for disposal via incineration or landfilling. Scales of problems associated with traditional SAPs are immense: for example, consumption in the US alone equates to ~30 billion disposable diapers / yr. Sustainability and toxicity concerns have led the industry towards certain bio-based and / or biodegradable alternatives, for example, cellulose- and / or starch-based polymers, to fossil-based SAPs. However, such biodegradable alternatives suffer from drawbacks such as cost of large-scale manufacturing, poor functionality and / or performance. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to, among other things, high-performance absorbent polymers, e.g., various PGA polymers as described herein and technologies for manufacturing such polymers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) polymers. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid in a provided composition is in various forms, e.g., 1 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 sodium and / or potassium salt forms. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions comprise other substances, e.g., carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylates, and metal ion salts. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions have controlled levels independently for each of one or more components, e.g., metal ions, carbohydrates, amino acids and carboxylates, independently as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions have controlled potassium levels. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition has low levels of potassium compared to sodium. Among other things, the present disclosure provides the insight that crosslinking γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions with low levels of potassium compared to sodium can provide improved crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure demonstrates various improvements as examples. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides technologies for manufacturing crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers using γ- polyglutamic acid compositions of low potassium levels as described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers of low potassium levels as described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides technologies for manufacturing crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers using γ-polyglutamic acid compositions of high sodium levels (e.g., relative to potassium or other cations) as described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers of high sodium levels (e.g., relative to potassium or other cations) as described herein.

[0005] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides various γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) based polymers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers with various properties (e.g., Free Swell Capacity, Centrifugal Retention Capacity, Absorption Under Load, and / or Saline Flow) for use in various applications, e.g., hygiene applications (e.g., diapers, menstrual pads, light bladder leakage pads, and tampons) and as liquid absorbents for use in medical care, construction, civil engineering, building, food, agriculture, etc.

[0006] Certain specific properties of polymers, e.g., SAPs that are of interest for hygiene applications, include saline absorption (also called free swell capacity), Centrifugal retention capacity (CRC), Absorption Under Load (AUL), Gel Flow permeability (GFP), and absorption speed (e.g., measured by a vortex method). In some embodiments, provided crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers are of low potassium levels and / or high sodium levels as described herein.

[0007] Among other things, the present disclosure address various challenges associated with cellulose- and / or starch-based polymers (e.g., not suitable and / or available at industrial scales, high cost, issues with functionality and / or performance including poor fluid retention (CRC), inadequate absorption under load (AUL), undesired color and odor, and / or exuding ‘slime’ when over-saturated with fluids), and / or fossil-based SAPs (e.g., PAA and PAM). For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure 2 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 provides crosslinked PGA polymers that have comparable properties compared to various commercially manufactured and utilized SAPs, e.g., PAA / PAM polymers utilized in hygiene products such as diapers. In some embodiments, provided PGA polymers are crosslinked, and possess suitable properties such as biodegradability, molecular weights, free swelling capacity, SFC (ability of swollen polymer to let liquid flow through), strength, AULs, CRCs, absorption rate, and / or GFP, for industrial use, particularly for uses in hygiene products. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides technologies for manufacturing such PGA polymers. Among other things, provided manufacturing technologies utilizes low cost and / or low levels of materials (e.g., crosslinkers) and / or do not require high cost facilities (e.g., those for gamma radiation), can provide polymer preparations at low cost compared to many prior technologies for preparing prior polymers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, e.g., those with low potassium levels and / or high sodium levels as described herein. In some embodiments, a composition is or comprises a crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid preparation. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides manufactured products / articles (e.g., hygiene products such as diapers) comprising provided PGA polymers or compositions thereof.

[0008] Properties of certain commercial, fossil fuel-based SAPs are described in the Table 1 below. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers having one or more comparable properties. Table 1. Nonwoven standard protocol (NWSP) properties of certain fossil fuel based SAPs. Product Features Centrifuge Absorption Absorption Liquid Mass Median Name Retention Under Speed*3Permeability*4Diameter * r 0.3psi

[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides γ-polyglutamic acid polymer 3 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 compositions comprising a sodium salt form of PGA. In some embodiments, the provided PGA compositions comprise one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA). In some embodiments, the provided PGA compositions further comprise one or more compounds selected from carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylates, and metal ion salts. In some embodiments, a provided PGA composition comprises a crosslinked PGA. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked PGA compositions, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition with a crosslinker as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A. Example molecular weight standard curve generated with monodisperse polyethylene oxide standards of known molecular weights. The curve was generated using monodispersed polyethylene oxide (PEO) standards of the following molecular weights: 1,334,000 (14.883 min), 1,200,000 (15.203 min), 504,000 (16.332 min), 220,000 (17.312 min), 103,000 (18.095 min), 40,100 (18.847 min), 17,900 (19.359 min), 6,200 (19.877 min) and 2,130 (20.487 min).

[0011] Figure 1B. Example overlaid HPLC-GPC chromatograms of PEO molecular weight standards (see description for Figure 1A). Also included are PEO having molecular weight of 601 (21.156 min) and 238 (21.796 min). Concentrations for all standards are 3 g / L, with the exception of the 1,334,000 and 1,200,000 standards, the concentrations of which are 1.5 g / L.

[0012] Figure 1C. Example overlaid HPLC-GPC chromatograms of Concentration Calibration Standards at 6, 3, and 1 g / L PGA.

[0013] Figures 2A-2C. Cations in PGA compositions can impact various properties. Figure 2A: AUL. Figure 2B: CRC. Figure 2C: FSC. K+rich: K+ / monomeric glutamic acid unit = 0.27 and Na+ / monomeric glutamic acid unit = 0.02. Na+rich: K+ / monomeric glutamic acid unit = 0.01 and Na+ / monomeric glutamic acid unit = 0.4. Crosslinker is EGDGE. Concentrations are weight percentage of PGA.

[0014] Figures 3A-3C. Cation enrichment and pH can impact various properties. Figure 3A: pH vs AUL. Figure 3B: pH vs CRC. Figure 3C: pH vs FSC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0015] To illustrate one or more aspects of the provided technologies, certain embodiments are described herein as examples.

[0016] In the present disclosure, unless indicated otherwise, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” indicate that at least one of the items is present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; 4 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and “including” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, etc., or groups thereof. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0017] The term γ-PGA refers to a polymer of the amino acid glutamic acid (GA) through its amino group and its γ-carboxy group. Gamma PGA, poly-γ-glutamic acid, γ-PGA, and γ-polyglutamic acid polymer are herein used interchangeably.

[0018] The term “dispersity” refers to a measure of the heterogeneity of sizes of molecules or polymers or particles in a mixture. Dispersity in polymers can be described by the molar mass distribution of the polymer composition. In some embodiments, dispersity of a provided polymer composition is determined using the equation ÐM= (Mw) / (Mn). Dispersity and polydispersity are herein used interchangeably.

[0019] The term “crosslink” refers to a covalent bond (in some embodiments, a series of such bonds) between polymer chains or to the formation of such a covalent crosslink bond between polymer chains. The covalent bonds can be formed between various atoms, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc. In some embodiments, such atoms are in groups such as hydroxyl, thiol, amino, carboxyl, ester, ether, amide, imide, sulfide, etc. In some embodiments, a crosslink is formed with a crosslinker. Crosslinkers generally refer to agents that can form crosslinking bonds between polymer chains. In some embodiments, a crosslinker has multiple groups that can react with groups in two or more polymer chains to crosslink them.

[0020] The term “aqueous system” refers to an aqueous medium optionally comprising one or more solutes or dispersed species. The aqueous system may be the aqueous phase of a multi-phase composition such as a water-in-oil emulsion. Weight by mass percentages (% weight by mass or wt% or %wt) are calculated as 100 times grams per gram (100 times g / g). Saline, when used herein, is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. When used in examples, it is typically a 0.9 g / L solution of sodium chloride in deionized water.

[0021] Acidic groups in un-crosslinked PGA and crosslinked PGA may be in various forms. For example, depending on pH of a PGA solution, carboxy groups can be acid and / or salt forms in PGA. In some embodiments, certain carboxyl groups are salt forms, e.g., when neutralized with bases comprising cationic species (wherein the amino acid carboxylic acid side groups are deprotonated and in anionic form). Examples of suitable cationic species include, but are not limited to, K+, Na+, NH4+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. In some embodiments, prior to crosslinking pH of γ-polyglutamic acid compositions (e.g., aqueous solutions) 5 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 are adjusted using suitable bases. Among other things, the present disclosure encompasses the recognition and demonstrates that neutralization using Na+bases, e.g., NaOH, can provide crosslinked γ-polyglutamic In as a a its ine.g., . some a depending on pH, carboxy groups are in both acid and salt forms. Those skilled in the art also appreciate that carboxy groups can be utilized with crosslinkers to form crosslinked PGA. Certain Useful Technologies for Assessing Polymers

[0025] In some embodiments, a useful protocol is similar to protocol detailed in ISO 17190-5:2001(E). Briefly, a dry absorbent powder, between 25-50 mg, is placed in a heat sealable non-woven bag [measure empty bag weight (Wabe), bag weight with the absorbent powder (Wab), & measure control bag weight (We)] and immersed in a 1 L beaker completely full with saline solution (0.9% (i.e. 9 g / L) sodium chloride in deionized water). After 30 minutes the bag is removed from saline solution and allowed to drain for 5-10 minutes fully suspended to allow any free moisture to drain. After 5-10 minutes, the saturated bags are weighed [(measure control bag weight (Weh) and bag weight with the absorbent powder (Wabh)] and the saline absorption calculated.

[0026] Saline absorption (g of saline absorbed / g of absorbent) is calculated as follows: 6 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 (Wabh- Wab– (Weh- We)) / (Wab- Wabe) wherein: Wabe= non-woven bag weight without the absorbent powder; Wab= non woven bag weight with the absorbent powder; Wabh= non-woven bag weight containing the absorbent powder after immersion in saline; We= non-woven bag weight of the control; and Weh= non-woven bag weight of the control after immersion in saline. Centrifugal Retention Capacity

[0027] This protocol is similar to protocol detailed in ISO 17190-6:2001(E). Briefly, a dry absorbent powder, between 25-50 mg, is placed in a heat sealable non-woven bag (measure empty bag weight; Wabe& bag weight with the absorbent powder; Wab) and immersed in a 1 L beaker completely full with saline solution (0.9% (i.e. 9 g / L) sodium chloride in deionized water). After 30 mins, the non woven bag is taken out of the beaker and placed in a centrifuge basket (centrifuge equipped with a basket rotor). For proper balancing bags containing samples and controls are opposite to each other. The centrifuge is run to achieve 250 g centrifugal acceleration, which is sustained for 3 minutes, after which the bags are removed and weighed. The weight of the bag is recorded (Wabh). A similar procedure is performed with an empty bag (Weand Wehcorrespond to weight of bag before and after immersion in water respectively). CRC (g of saline absorbed / g of absorbent) is calculated as follows: (Wabh - Wab – (Weh - We)) / (Wab - Wabe). Absorption under load (AUL)

[0028] For various polymers and compositions, absorbency under load was measured according to EDANA method WSP 242.2 and ISO 17190-7. Specifically, a polymer is sieved to between 30 and 60 mesh size. 0.90 g (A), of polymer is uniformly distributed on the AUL cylinder apparatus; the plunger with weight of 0.3 or 0.7 or 0.9 psi put thereon and the weight of the entire apparatus was measured (B). The apparatus was placed into 0.9% (i.e. 9 g / L) sodium chloride solution (in deionized water), and allowed to sit in the solution for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, the apparatus was taken out and the weight was again measured (C). Using the obtained masses, AUL(g / g) was calculated according to the following formula: AUL (g / g) = (C-B) / A. In the Equation, A is the weight of absorbent polymer (g), B is the weight of the AUL assembly after absorbent polymer is added, C is the weight of the AUL assembly after swelling for 60 minutes in a saline solution. Saline Flow Conductivity

[0029] Saline flow conductivity (SFC) can be used to show how well SAP materials move liquid through a medium such as diaper fibers. In some embodiments, it is utilized as the measurement of the permeability of a gel layer formed in an aqueous-liquid-absorbing agent which has absorbed the 7 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 physiological saline solution under load and is thereby swollen. Using Darcy's law and the stationary-flow method (e.g. refer to “Absorbency”, edited by P. K. Chatterjee, Elsevier 1985, pp. 42-43 and Chemical Engineering, Vol. II, 3rd edition, J. M. Coulson and J. F. Richarson, Pergamon Press, 1978, pp.125-127), the test measures the flow rate of saline that passes through a saturated core SAP sample that is under load. Herein saline is 0.9% (i.e. 9 g / L) sodium chloride in deionized water. The saline flow conductivity can be measured in accordance with the method disclosed in, e.g., paragraphs

[0184] to

[0189] of Column 16 of U.S. patent application publication No.2009-0131255 and US patent number US 8420567B1. Absorption Rate (also called FSR: Free Swell Rate)

[0030] The free swell rate (FSR) can be utilized to indicate the profile of swelling capacity versus time of an absorbent sample. In some embodiments, it is obtained by performing free-swell capacity measurements as described above at consecutive time intervals. Vortex method (absorption speed)

[0031] The vortex method is a rapid and simple way to evaluate the SAP absorption speed. Saline solution (50 mL of 9 g / L sodium chloride in deionized water) is poured into a 100 mL beaker and its temperature is adjusted at 25ºC. It is stirred at 600 rpm using a magnetic stirrer (stirrer bar length 400 mm). The bottom of the vortex should be near the top of the stir bar. While the saline solution is being stirred, quickly pour the superabsorbent material (2 grams) to be tested into the saline solution and start a stopwatch. The superabsorbent material to be tested should be added to the saline solution between the center of the vortex and the side of the beaker. Stop the stopwatch when the surface of the saline solution becomes flat and record the time. The time, recorded in seconds, is reported as the absorption speed. Molecular weight

[0032] Molecular weight may be assessed by a number of technologies in accordance with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a molecular weight of the present disclosure is measured using a technology described below. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides PGA polymers having various molecular weights, e.g., about 0.5 MDa or more, about 0.6 MDa or more, about 0.7 MDa or more, about 0.8 MDa or more, about 0.9 MDa or more, about 1 MDa or more, about 1.5 MDa or more, measured using a method described below. In some embodiments, PGA polymers are crosslinked. As demonstrated in the examples, various provided polymer compositions demonstrate suitable properties, in many instances comparable to or better than those commercially utilized for, e.g., hygiene products such as diapers. Intrinsic Viscosity

[0033] Intrinsic viscosity determination of molecular weight is dependent upon a polymer-induced change of viscosity of a solvent in which they are dissolved. This increase allows for a convenient method of determining the molecular weight of polymers. A viscosity method is often calibrated by standards of known molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distributions. The intrinsic viscosity measured in a 8 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 specific solvent is related to the molecular weight (M), by the Mark-Houwink equation. [] = K Mawhere K and a are Mark-Houwink constants that depend upon the type of polymer, solvent, and the temperature of the viscosity determinations. The exponent a is a function of polymer geometry, and varies from 0.5 to 2.0. The values of the Mark-Houwink parameters a and K, depend on the particular polymer- solvent system. For solvents, a value of a = 0.8 is indicative of a theta solvent. A value of a = 0.8 is typical of a good solvent. For most flexible polymers, 0.5 < a < 0.8. For semi flexible polymers, a > 0.8. Rigid rod polymers typically have a = 2.0.

[0034] These constants can be determined experimentally by measuring the intrinsic viscosities of several polymer samples for which the molecular weight has been determined by an independent method(i.e. osmotic pressure or light scattering). Using the polymer standards, a plot of the log [ ] vs log M usuallygives a straight line. The slope of this line is the a value and the Y-intercept is equal to the log of the K value.

[0035] In size-exclusion chromatography, such as gel permeation chromatography, the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer is directly related to the elution volume of the polymer. Therefore, by running several monodisperse samples of polymer in a gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), the values of K and a can be determined graphically using a line of best fit. Then the molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity relationship is defined.

[0036] Also, the molecular weights of two different polymers in a particular solvent can be related using the Mark–Houwink equation when the polymer-solvent systems have the same intrinsic viscosity. Knowing the Mark–Houwink parameters and the molecular weight of one of the polymers allows one to find the molecular weight of the other polymer using a GPC. The GPC sorts the polymer chains by volume and as intrinsic viscosity is related to the volume of the polymer chain, the GPC data is the same for the two different polymers. For example, if the GPC calibration curve is known for polystyrene in toluene, polyethylene in toluene can be run in a GPC and the molecular weight of polyethylene can be found according to the polystyrene calibration curve via the above equation. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

[0037] Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is a commonly used method for determining the molecular mass of polymers including γ-PGA. GPC uses a range of mobile phases and calibrates against standards of diverse molecular masses (Birrer et al., 1994). Parameters including number-averaged molecular mass (Mn), weight-averaged molecular mass (Mw) and polydispersity (Mw / Mn) are measured as a function of elution time and comparison to standards. Experimentally, a γ-PGA solution is injected into the GPC. PGA is detected using a refractometer to give a typical chromatogram for molecular-size distribution and elution time. Apparent molecular size is estimated typically using polyethylene oxide as an 9 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 approximate standard marker.

[0038] An exemplary description of measuring MW is described below: The concentration and molecular weight of γ-PGA are determined by a GPC (gel permeation chromatography) method. Briefly, the quantitative analysis of γ-PGA is carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (Shimadzu, USA) using a Shodex OHpak SB-806 HQ column, 8.0 x 300 mm, 13 μm (Shodex, part no. F6429105). The samples are eluted with 50 mM potassium nitrate in water at a flow rate of 0.5 mL / min and detected via RID. The γ-PGA concentration is calculated by the peak area standard curve, and the molecular weight of γ-PGA was estimated according to the retention time. HPLC (SEC)

[0039] HPLC, such as size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is another commonly used technology for measuring molecular weight of polymers. It typically utilizes the elution volume of an analyte to estimate molecular weight. Size exclusion chromatography allows for the separation of molecules based on the apparent size of the molecule. In some embodiments, this is important, especially for γ-PGA, which is known to have several conformations under a variety of conditions. For example, γ-PGA has several intramolecular and intermolecular interactions that contribute to the apparent size of its molecule in an aqueous environment. In some embodiments, conditions to improve γ-PGA detection comprise a dilute solution of slightly acidic γ-PGA, which could allow for appropriate separation and linearization of molecules within the solution in order to allow for improved detection. SEC-MALS

[0040] In some embodiments, multi-angle light scattering (MALS) is an absolute technique that determines the molecular weight of an analyte in solution from basic physical equations. In some embodiments, a combination of SEC for separation with MALS for analysis constitutes a versatile, reliable means for characterizing solutions of one or more molecules. Since the measurement is performed at each elution volume, SEC-MALS can determine if an eluting peak is homogeneous or heterogeneous and distinguish between a fixed molecular weight distribution versus dynamic equilibrium. This protocol for SEC-MALS analyzes the molecular weight and size of pure protein monomers and aggregates. An exemplary description of measuring MW is described below: www.jove.com / video / 59615 / characterization-proteins-size-exclusion-chromatography-coupled-to. Electrophoresis

[0041] In an electrophoretic assay PGA can be visualized as smeared bands on an SDS-PAGE gel by staining with basic dyes, such as methylene blue and Alcian blue, which correlates to the molecular-size distribution of PGA. Size-distribution profiles can be obtained using a densitometry system. Due to its simplicity, an SDS-PAGE assay can be significantly more convenient than the GPC assay, though it may be less precise, e.g., in the analysis of PGA with a molecular size of over 2000 kDa. 10 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0042] An exemplary description of measuring MW is described below: SDS-PAGE are done by Laemmli's method. Purified γ-PGA is mixed with SDS-sample buffer (2% SDS, 30% glycerol, 0.25 M Tris hydroxy aminomethane. pH 6.8) and boiled for 2 min.10 uL of the sample solution is put on 4-15% gradient acrylamide slab gel (Daiichi Pure Chemicals Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Appropriate molecular weight standard proteins are also loaded on to a separate lane on the gel. Electrophoresis is done at the current of 1 mA per lane for 1 hour. After that, the gel is fixed with 60% ethanol, and thoroughly washed with distilled water for the removal of SDS. After equilibration with 3% acetic acid, the gel is stained with a basic dye. Each basic dye solution was prepared by solubilizing it in 3% acetic acid at the concentration of 0.5%. The excess dye is washed out with 3% acetic acid several times to get an appropriate staining image. Comparison of the relative band position of the PGA on the gel with the band position of known molecular weight of standard proteins (used as reference) will lead to determination of the molecular weight and its distribution for PGA. Chemical Assay

[0043] Typically, a molecule of PGA has one terminal free amino group irrespective of the linkage number and the ratio of numbers between the amino group and glutamyl residues of PGA is parallel to average molecular mass (or weight). In a useful method 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) is used to convert PGA into N-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-PGA by incubation in an FDNB solution, followed by polyamide hydrolysis under acidic conditions at high temperature. The resulting DNP-glutamate and free glutamate monomers are determined by a colorimetry and an HPLC assay, respectively. Average molecular mass (or weight) of PGA is estimated using Eq. (1), where the factor 129 corresponds to the molecular mass (or weight) of one glutamyl residue. Average molecular mass = 129 × Number of glutamyl residues / Number of amino groups (Eq.1) Nuclear Magnetic Spectrometry

[0044] 1H- and13C-NMR spectroscopy can be used to determine the homogeneity and degree of crosslinking for crosslinked PGA (e.g., through measuring esterification of PGA crosslinked by formation of ester groups) (Birrer et al., 1994; Borbely et al., 1994). Chemical shifts from resulting NMR spectra can be measured relative to known standards. Certain PGA and Compositions Thereof

[0045] Among other things, the present disclosure encompasses the recognition that various components in PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and composition thereof may impact crosslinking and / or structures / properties of crosslinked polymers. In some embodiments, such components are or comprise metal ions (e.g., Na+, K+, Ca2+and Mg2+), carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylates, etc. In some embodiments, such components are from production processes of γ-polyglutamic acid. For example, in 11 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 some embodiments, certain components can be from cultures when γ-polyglutamic acid is produced from biosynthesis processes. In some embodiments, a component is from γ-polyglutamic acid purification processes. In some embodiments, a component is from processing of γ-polyglutamic acid, e.g., pH adjustment. In some embodiments, pH of γ-polyglutamic acid compositions, e.g., aqueous solutions, are adjusted before crosslinking. In some embodiments, a component may come from multiple sources and / or stages, e.g., a metal ion can be from a culture and a pH adjustment process. Among other things, the present disclosure demonstrates that control levels of such components can provide crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid with improved structures and / or properties. For example, in some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with lower levels of K+can provide crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with various improved properties compared to those with higher levels of K+when crosslinked under comparable conditions. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with higher levels of Na+can provide crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with various improved properties compared to those with lower levels of Na+when crosslinked under comparable conditions. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides γ- polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with controlled levels of various components, e.g., for manufacturing crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and components thereof with controlled levels of various components.

[0046] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a γ-polyglutamic acid composition wherein the composition comprises a sodium salt form of γ-polyglutamic acid. In some embodiments, a γ- polyglutamic acid composition, optionally, comprises one or more other salt forms of γ-polyglutamic acid (e.g., a potassium salt form of γ-polyglutamic acid). In some embodiments, a γ-polyglutamic acid composition further comprises one or more compounds selected from carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylates, and metal ion salts. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid is not crosslinked, e.g., using chemical crosslinking processes. In some embodiments, γ-polyglutamic acid is not crosslinked with a crosslinker as described herein.

[0047] In some embodiments, a provided PGA composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, comprises: PGA (e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid); one or more cations one of which is Na+; and optionally one or more additional components each of which is independently an anion or a carbohydrate.

[0048] As described herein, PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, may exist in various forms. In some embodiments, in a single PGA chain its carboxyl groups may exist in various forms. In some embodiments, 12 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 a cation (e.g., Na+) is of a PGA salt form. In some embodiments, a cation is of a metal ion salt which is not a PGA salt. In some embodiments, a cation is K+. In some embodiments, a cation is Ca2+. In some embodiments, a cation is Mg2+. In some embodiments, a cation is from a salt that is not a PGA (e.g., γ- polyglutamic acid) salt. In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more additional anions. In some embodiments, an anion is from a salt that is not a PGA (e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid) salt. In some embodiments, an additional anion is SO42-(e.g., from a sulfate salt). In some embodiments, an additional anion is a phosphate (e.g., from a phosphate salt). Those skilled in the art appreciate that depending on pH, phosphate may exist in various forms at various ratios. In some embodiments, an additional anion is PO43-. In some embodiments, an additional anion is HPO42-. In some embodiments, an additional anion is H2PO43-. In some embodiments, an anion comprises −COO−(e.g., from a carboxylate). In some embodiments, an additional component is a carbohydrate. In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more amino acids. In some embodiments, a composition further comprises one or more additional components that are not an anion or carbohydrate.

[0049] In some embodiments, a provided PGA composition comprises: a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts.

[0050] In some embodiments, a provided PGA composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts.

[0051] In some embodiments, polymerization of PGA monomeric units, e.g., glutamic acid units, is promoted or catalyzed by enzymes. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, is produced in a biosynthetic process. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, is polymerized in a cell. In some embodiments, it is polymerized in an organism. In some embodiments, it is polymerized in a microbe. In some embodiments, it is polymerized in bacteria. In some embodiments, a bacteria Bacillus subtilis, B. 13 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Natrialba aegyptiaca, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, or Fusobacterium nucleatum. In some embodiments, PGA is polymerized in Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, or Escherichia coli. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, is polymerized in Bacillus subtilis. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, is polymerized in Bacillus licheniformis. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, is polymerized in Escherichia coli. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, is polymerized in a fermentation process. In some embodiments, a PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, composition comprises one or more components from the fermentation process. Those skilled in the art appreciate that various PGA, e.g. γ-polyglutamic acid, produced by biosynthetic processes contain no or low levels of crosslinking and may be referred to as un-crosslinked PGA, e.g. un- crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid.

[0052] In some embodiments, a provided composition, e.g., comprising un-crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid, is a liquid composition. In some embodiments, it is a liquid composition useful for crosslinking to provide crosslinked PGA, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid. In some embodiments, it comprises one or more components (e.g., Na+) as described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides technologies for manufacturing crosslinked PGA, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, provided crosslinked PGA, e.g., crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof have controlled levels of various components as described herein. Among other things, the present disclosure provides crosslinked PGA polymers and compositions thereof having various properties, e.g., biodegradability, molecular weights, free swelling capacity, SFC (ability of swollen polymer to let liquid flow through), strength, AULs, CRCs, absorption rate, and / or GFP etc., which are particularly useful as absorbent for various uses. In some embodiments, provided PGA polymers and compositions thereof are particularly useful for manufacturing hygiene products such as diapers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides manufactured products, e.g., hygiene products such as diapers that comprise provided PGA polymers or compositions thereof. In some embodiments, a crosslinked PGA or a composition thereof is useful for agricultural, e.g., horticultural, applications.

[0053] In some embodiments, a provided PGA composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, comprises: PGA (e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid); one or more cations one of which is Na+; and optionally one or more additional components each of which is independently an anion or a carbohydrate; 14 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 wherein the PGA is crosslinked.

[0054] In some embodiments, the provided PGA composition comprises: a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked.

[0055] In some embodiments, the provided PGA composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked.

[0056] As described herein, un-crosslinked and crosslinked PGA (e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid) polymers and compositions may contain various components. Certain components and / or levels thereof are described herein as examples. Certain Components and Levels Thereof

[0057] As described herein, provided PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions thereof may contain various components other than PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, chains. Among other things, the present disclosure encompasses the recognition that controlling levels of various components can provide improvements to PGA crosslinking including crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof with various improvements, e.g., various improved properties as described herein. In some embodiments, improved properties are achieved while maintaining other properties in ranges in useful ranges for various applications (e.g., as SAP for various applications as described herein). Certain components and / or levels thereof are described below as examples. Na+

[0058] In some embodiments, a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof comprises 15 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 sodium. In some embodiments, PGA is in a sodium salt thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure demonstrates that when used in crosslinking, sodium salts can provide crosslinked γ- polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof with improved properties, e.g., when compared to potassium salts under comparable conditions.

[0059] In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about 100 ppm or more. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100-250000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100-200000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100-150000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, about 1000, about 2000, about 3000, about 4000, about 5000, about 6000, about 7000, about 8000, about 9000, about 10000, about 20000, about 30000, about 40000, about 50000, about 60000, about 70000, about 80000, about 90000, or about 100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 5000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 20000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 50000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about or at least about 100-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 20000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 40000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 60000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 80000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of Na+is about or at least about 100000 ppm.

[0060] Unless otherwise noted, ppm, as often utilized in the art, is mg / L for a liquid composition, and mg / kg for a solid composition. Those skilled in the art appreciate that various technologies are available for assessing levels of elements, such as Na, K, S, P, etc., and can be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] In some embodiments, about or at least about 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% (mol%) of all cations is Na+. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 90%. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 95%. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 99%.

[0062] In some embodiments, a molar ratio of Na+to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid or composition is about or at least about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.005-10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.01-10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.1-10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 1-10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 5-10. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 1. In some embodiments, it is about 0.001-1. In some embodiments, it is about 0.01-1. In some embodiments, it is 16 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about 0.1-1. In some embodiments, it is about 0.1-0.9. In some embodiments, it is about 0.2-0.8. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.01, about or at least about 0.02, about or at least about 0.03, about or at least about 0.04, about or at least about 0.05, about or at least about 0.075, about or at least about 0.1, about or at least about 0.2, about or at least about 0.3, about or at least about 0.4, about or at least about 0.5, about or at least about 0.6, about or at least about 0.7, about or at least about 0.8, about or at least about 0.9, about or at least about 1, about or at least about 1.1, about or at least about 1.2, about or at least about 1.3, about or at least about 1.4, about or at least about 1.5, about or at least about 1.6, about or at least about 1.7, about or at least about 1.8, about or at least about 1.9, about or at least about 2, about or at least about 3, about or at least about 4, about or at least about 5, about or at least about 6, about or at least about 7, about or at least about 8, about or at least about 9, or about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.01, about or at least about 0.02, about or at least about 0.03, about or at least about 0.04, about or at least about 0.05, about or at least about 0.075, about or at least about 0.1, about or at least about 0.2, about or at least about 0.3, about or at least about 0.4, about or at least about 0.5, about or at least about 0.6, about or at least about 0.7, about or at least about 0.8, about or at least about 0.9, or about or at least about 1. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about or at least about or at least about 0.1, about or at least about 0.2, about or at least about 0.3, about or at least about 0.4, about or at least about 0.5, about or at least about 0.6, about or at least about 0.7, about or at least about 0.8, about or at least about 0.9, or about or at least about 1. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.1-0.9. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.1-0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.2. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.3. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.4. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 1, about or at least about 1.1, about or at least about 1.2, about or at least about 1.3, about or at least about 1.4, about or at least about 1.5, about or at least about 1.6, about or at least about 1.7, about or at least about 1.8, about or at least about 1.9, about or at least about 2, about or at least about 3, about or at least about 4, about or at least about 5, about or at least about 6, about or at least about 7, about or at least about 8, about or at least about 9, or about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, it is about or at least about 1, about or at least about 2, about or at least about 3, about or at least about 4, about or at least about 5, about or at least about 6, about or at least about 7, about or at least about 8, about or at least about 9, or about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, a ratio is dependent on a desired pH. In some embodiments, a ratio is about the same as the ratio of anionic form of −COOH to all −COOH. K+

[0063] In some embodiments, a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof comprises K+. In some embodiments, PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, is in a potassium salt form. In some 17 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 embodiments, a composition comprises a potassium salt form of PGA. In some embodiments, the present disclosure encompasses the recognition that high levels of K+in a composition may negatively impact certain properties of crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid compared to, e.g., Na+, under comparable conditions. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, compositions whose K+level is controlled. In some embodiments, when pH of a PGA composition is to be adjusted using a base, a sodium base, e.g., NaOH, is utilized instead of a potassium base, e.g., KOH.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments, a level of K+is about or no more than 100 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1-250000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100-200000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100-150000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100, about or no more than about 200, about or no more than about 300, about or no more than about 400, about or no more than about 500, about or no more than about 600, about or no more than about 700, about or no more than about 800, about or no more than about 900, about or no more than about 1000, about or no more than about 2000, about or no more than about 3000, about or no more than about 4000, about or no more than about 5000, about or no more than about 6000, about or no more than about 7000, about or no more than about 8000, about or no more than about 9000, about or no more than about 10000, about or no more than about 20000, about or no more than about 30000, about or no more than about 40000, about or no more than about 50000, about or no more than about 60000, about or no more than about 70000, about or no more than about 80000, about or no more than about 90000, or about or no more than about 100000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 5000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 20000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 2000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 20000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 25000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 40000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 45000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 55000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 60000 ppm. In some 18 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 embodiments, it is about or no more than about 65000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 70000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 75000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 80000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 85000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 90000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 95000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100000 ppm.

[0065] In some embodiments, a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof comprises both Na+and K+ions. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 1-100. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 5-95. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 10-90. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 5-50. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 5. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 15. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 20. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 25. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 30. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 35. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 40. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 45. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 50. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 100. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 200. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 500. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of Na+to K+is about or at least about 1000.

[0066] In some embodiments, about or no more than about 50%, 45%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1% (mol%) of all cations is K+. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 40%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 20%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 5%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 2%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.5%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.2%. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.1%.

[0067] In some embodiments, a molar ratio of K+to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ- 19 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 polyglutamic acid, or a composition is about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.001-5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01, no more than about 0.02, no more than about 0.03, no more than about 0.04, no more than about 0.05, no more than about 0.075, no more than about 0.1, no more than about 0.2, no more than about 0.3, no more than about 0.4, no more than about 0.5, no more than about 0.6, no more than about 0.7, no more than about 0.8, no more than about 0.9, no more than about 1.0, no more than about 1.1, no more than about 1.2, no more than about 1.3, no more than about 1.4, no more than about 1.5, no more than about 1.6, no more than about 1.7, no more than about 1.8, no more than about 1.9, or no more than about 2. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.9. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.8. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.7. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.6. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.4. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.3. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.2. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.05. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.02. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01.

[0068] In some embodiments, a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof comprises one or more cations that are not Na+or K+. In some embodiments, levels, ratios relative to Na+, mol% of all cations, and / or ratios to monomeric glutamic acid units of each such cations are each independently as described herein for K+. In some embodiments, a cation is Ca2+. In some embodiments, a cation is Mg2+. In some embodiments, a cation is NH4+. Carbohydrates

[0069] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides PGA polymer compositions comprising one or more carbohydrates. In some embodiments, a carbohydrate is from a production process, e.g., γ- polyglutamic acid biosynthetic process. In some embodiments, a carbohydrate is one in a culturing medium. In some embodiments, a carbohydrate is one in a culture, e.g., a culture utilized to produce γ- polyglutamic acid.

[0070] In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more monosaccharides. In some embodiments, the one or more monosaccharides are each independently selected from glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose, fucose, mannose, ribose, lyxose, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, galactosamine, and glucosamine. In some embodiments, the one or more monosaccharides are each independently selected from glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose, fucose, mannose, ribose, and lyxose. In some embodiments, the 20 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 one or more monosaccharides are each independently selected from glucose, fructose, galactose, and xylose. In some embodiments, a monosaccharide is glucose.

[0071] In some embodiments, a PGA composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, comprises a carbohydrate. In some embodiments, it comprises glucose. In some embodiments, a level of a carbohydrate, e.g., glucose, of each carbohydrate independently, and / or of all carbohydrates combined, is about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500- 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500-3000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500-2000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500-1500 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 700-1000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10000 ppm.

[0072] In some embodiments, a molar ratio of a carbohydrate, e.g. , glucose, of each carbohydrate independently, and / or of all carbohydrates combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition is about or no more than about 0.0001-1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.0005-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.001-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.005-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.05-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.0001, no more than about 0.0005, no more than about 0.001, no more than about 0.002, no more than about 0.003, no more than about 0.004, no more than about 0.005, no more than about 0.006, no more than about 0.007, no more than about 0.008, no more than about 0.009, no more than about 0.01, no more than about 0.02, no more than about 0.03, no more than about 0.04, no more than about 0.05, no more than about 0.06, no more than about 0.07, no more than about 0.08, no more than about 0.09, or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01, no more than about 0.02, no more than about 0.03, no more than about 0.04, no more than about 0.05, no more than about 0.075, or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.001, no more than about 0.0025, no more than about 0.005, no more than about 0.0075, no more than about 0.01, no more than about 0.025, no more than about 0.05, no more than about 0.075, or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.0001. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.0002. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.0005. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.001. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.002. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.005. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01. In 21 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.02. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.025. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.05. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.075. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.1. Additional Anions

[0073] In some embodiments, a PGA polymer composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition, comprises one or more anions that are not PGA anions. In some embodiments, one or more of the additional anions are each independently from a production process, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid biosynthetic process. In some embodiments, an anion is one in a culturing medium. In some embodiments, an anion is one in a culture, e.g., a culture utilized to produce γ-polyglutamic acid. In some embodiments, an anion is a carboxylate. In some embodiments, an anion is a sulfate. In some embodiments, an anion is a phosphate.

[0074] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides PGA polymer compositions comprising one or more additional carboxylates. In some embodiments, one or more of the carboxylates are each independently formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, lactate, citrate, isocitrate, glutarate, itaconate, aconitate, fumarate, malate, or oxaloacetate. In some embodiments, each of the one or more carboxylate is independently formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, or lactate. In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more of formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, lactate, citrate, isocitrate, glutarate, itaconate, aconitate, fumarate, malate, and oxaloacetate. In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more of formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, and lactate.

[0075] In some embodiments, an anion is an ion of an amino acid. In some embodiments, a PGA polymer composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition, comprises one or more amino acids. In some embodiments, one or more of the amino acids are each independently arginine, histidine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, glycine, proline, cysteine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan. In some embodiments, an amino acid is from a production process, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid biosynthetic process. In some embodiments, an amino acid is one in a culturing medium. In some embodiments, an amino acid is one in a culture, e.g., a culture utilized to produce γ-polyglutamic acid.

[0076] In some embodiments, a level of an additional anion, of each additional anion independently, and / or of all additional anions combined, is about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of additional carboxylate is about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of an additional carboxylate compound, of each additional carboxylate compound independently, and / or of all additional carboxylate compounds combined is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of sulfate is about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of a sulfate compound, of each sulfate compound independently, and / or 22 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 of all sulfate compounds combined is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of total sulfur is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of a phosphate, of each phosphate independently, and / or of all phosphate anions combined is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of a phosphate compound, of each phosphate compound independently, and / or of all phosphate compounds combined is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of total phosphate is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of an amino acid, of each amino acid independently, and / or of all amino acids combined is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of total phosphate is independently about or no more than about 1-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-5000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-3000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-2000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-1500 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-1000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10-5000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10-3000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10-2000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10-1500 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10-1000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500-5000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500-4000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500-3000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500-2000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500-1500 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 700-1000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 20 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 30 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 40 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 50 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 60 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 70 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 80 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 90 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 300 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 400 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 500 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 600 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 700 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 800 ppm. In 23 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 900 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1100 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1200 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1300 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1400 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 1500 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 2000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 10000 ppm.

[0077] In some embodiments, a molar ratio of an anion to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of each anion independently to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of all anions combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of additional carboxylate to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of an additional carboxylate compound to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of each additional carboxylate compound independently to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of all additional carboxylate compounds combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of sulfate to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of a sulfate compound to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of each sulfate compound independently to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of all sulfate compounds combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of total sulfur to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of a phosphate to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of each phosphate independently to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of all phosphate anions combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of a phosphate compound to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of each phosphate compound independently to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, a molar ratio of all phosphate compounds combined to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition, and / or a molar ratio of total phosphorus to monomeric glutamic acid units in a composition is about or no more than about 0.0001-1. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of total sulfur to monomeric glutamic acid units is about or no more than about 0.0001-1. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of total phosphate to monomeric glutamic acid units is about or no more than about 0.0001-1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.0005-0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.001-0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.005-0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.05-0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.0001, a ratio no more than about 0.0005, a ratio no more than about 0.001, a ratio no more than about 0.002, a ratio no more than about 0.003, a ratio no more than about 0.004, a ratio no more than about 0.005, a ratio no more than about 0.006, a ratio no more than 24 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about 0.007, a ratio no more than about 0.008, a ratio no more than about 0.009, a ratio no more than about 0.01, a ratio no more than about 0.02, a ratio no more than about 0.03, a ratio no more than about 0.04, a ratio no more than about 0.05, a ratio no more than about 0.06, a ratio no more than about 0.07, a ratio no more than about 0.08, a ratio no more than about 0.09, a ratio or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.01, a ratio no more than about 0.02, a ratio no more than about 0.03, a ratio no more than about 0.04, a ratio no more than about 0.05, a ratio no more than about 0.075, a ratio or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.001, a ratio no more than about 0.0025, a ratio no more than about 0.005, a ratio no more than about 0.0075, a ratio no more than about 0.01, a ratio no more than about 0.025, a ratio no more than about 0.05, a ratio no more than about 0.075, a ratio or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.0001. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.0002. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.0005. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.001. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.002. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.005. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.01. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.02. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.025. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.05. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.075. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.1. Additional Metal / Cations

[0078] In some embodiments, a PGA polymer composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition, comprises one or more additional cations that are not Na+or K+. In some embodiments, a PGA polymer composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition, comprises one or more additional metal elements that are not Na or K. In some embodiments, one or more additional cations and / or metal elements are each independently from a production process, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid biosynthetic process. In some embodiments, one or more additional cations and / or metal elements are in a culturing medium. In some embodiments, one or more additional cations and / or metal elements are in a culture, e.g., a culture utilized to produce γ-polyglutamic acid. In some embodiments, one or more metal elements or metal ions are from metal ions salts that are not PGA salts. In some embodiments, one or more of the metal ions are each independently of, and / or one or more of the metal elements are each independently, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt, or nickel.

[0079] In some embodiments, a level of an additional metal ion, of each additional metal ion independently, of an additional metal element, of each additional metal element independently, and / or of total additional metal elements in a composition is independently about or no more than about 1-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of an additional metal ion in a composition is about 1-500000 ppm. In 25 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 some embodiments, a level of an additional metal element in a composition is about 1-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of each additional metal ion in a composition is independently about 1-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level of each additional metal element in a composition is independently about 1-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-500000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-250000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-200000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-150000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100, about or no more than about 200, about or no more than about 300, about or no more than about 400, about or no more than about 500, about or no more than about 600, about or no more than about 700, about or no more than about 800, about or no more than about 900, about or no more than about 1000, about or no more than about 2000, about or no more than about 3000, about or no more than about 4000, about or no more than about 5000, about or no more than about 6000, about or no more than about 7000, about or no more than about 8000, about or no more than about 9000, about or no more than about 10000, about or no more than about 20000, about or no more than about 30000, about or no more than about 40000, about or no more than about 50000, about or no more than about 60000, about or no more than about 70000, about or no more than about 80000, about or no more than about 90000, or about or no more than about 100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 5000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 20000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 50000-100000 ppm. In some embodiments, a level is about or no more than about 100-10000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 500 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 2000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 10000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 20000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 25000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 40000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 45000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 50000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 55000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 60000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 65000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 70000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 75000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more 26 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 than about 80000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 85000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 90000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 95000 ppm. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 100000 ppm.

[0080] In some embodiments, a ratio of an additional metal ion to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof is about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, a ratio of an additional metal element to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ- polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof is about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, a ratio of each additional metal ion to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ- polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof is independently about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, a ratio of each additional metal element to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof is about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, a ratio of total additional metal elements to monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid, or a composition thereof is about or no more than about 0.001-10. In some embodiments, a ratio is about or no more than about 0.001-5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01, no more than about 0.02, no more than about 0.03, no more than about 0.04, no more than about 0.05, no more than about 0.075, no more than about 0.1, no more than about 0.2, no more than about 0.3, no more than about 0.4, no more than about 0.5, no more than about 0.6, no more than about 0.7, no more than about 0.8, no more than about 0.9, no more than about 1.0, no more than about 1.1, no more than about 1.2, no more than about 1.3, no more than about 1.4, no more than about 1.5, no more than about 1.6, no more than about 1.7, no more than about 1.8, no more than about 1.9, or no more than about 2. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.9. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.8. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.7. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.6. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.5. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.4. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.3. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.2. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.1. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.05. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.02. In some embodiments, it is about or no more than about 0.01.

[0081] For example, in a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, the concentration of γ-polyglutamic acid is about 50-200 g / L (e.g., about 50-150, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100), glucose is about or no more than about 0.1-1 g / L, pyruvate is about or no more than about 0.005-0.5 g / L, succinate is about or no more than about 0.05-0.5 g / L, lactate is about or no more than about 0.01-0.5 g / L, formate is about or no more than about 27 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 0-0.5 g / L, acetate is about or no more than about 0.1-1 g / L, ethanol is about or no more than about 0.01-0.5 g / L, calcium is about or no more than about 1-10 ppm, iron is about or no more than about 0-5 ppm, magnesium is about or no more than about 5-50 ppm, manganese is about or no more than about 0.1-10 ppm, phosphorus is about or no more than about 1-1000 ppm, sulfur is about or no more than about 1-1000 ppm, and zinc is about or no more than about 0-10 ppm.

[0082] Among other things, the present disclosure provides technologies for modulating levels of various components, e.g., carbohydrates, salts, ions, etc., in a composition such as a PGA composition. In some embodiments, a method comprises diafiltration, which can remove low molecular weight components, e.g., sodium salts, potassium salts). In some embodiments, a method comprises addition of a desired ion or salt. In some embodiments, a method comprises acidifying a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, e.g., to pH ~3. In some embodiments, a γ-polyglutamic acid composition is acidified so that it exists in acid forms to facilitate removal of undesired cations by diafiltration. In some embodiments, pH of a γ-polyglutamic acid composition is adjusted using a base, e.g., NaOH, KOH, etc., which can enrich a cation in the base in the γ-polyglutamic acid composition.

[0083] In some embodiments, pH of a composition, e.g., a γ-polyglutamic acid composition, is about 2-7. In some embodiments, it is about 2-6. In some embodiments, it is about 3-6. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-6.5. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-6.3. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-6.2. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-6.0. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-5.8. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-5.7. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0-5.5. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0-6.0. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0-5.8. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0-5.7. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0-5.5. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0. In some embodiments, it is about 5.1. In some embodiments, it is about 5.2. In some embodiments, it is about 5.3. In some embodiments, it is about 5.4. In some embodiments, it is about 5.5. In some embodiments, it is about 5.6. In some embodiments, it is about 5.7. In some embodiments, it is about 5.8. In some embodiments, it is about 5.9. In some embodiments, it is about 6.0. In some embodiments, for Na+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 5.8. In some embodiments, for Na+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 5.7. In some embodiments, for Na+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 5.6. In some embodiments, for Na+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 5.5. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 6.5. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 6.3. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 6.2. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 6.1. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 6.0. In some embodiments, for K+-enriched compositions, pH is about or below about 5.9. 28 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Molecular Weight of Certain PGA and Compositions Thereof

[0084] Provided technologies are useful for PGA of various molecular weights. For example, in some embodiments, provided un-crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers of various molecular weights and compositions thereof are useful for preparing various crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, levels of various components are useful for assessing and / or releasing various γ-polyglutamic acid polymers and compositions thereof. Molecular weight can be assessed using various technologies in accordance with the present disclosure. Certain technologies are described herein as examples.

[0085] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides PGA polymer compositions enriched for PGA molecules or chains or chains of certain molecular weight (MW) as described herein, e.g., about 1000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions comprise PGA molecules or chains or chains having a MW of about 1000 – 5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains or chains having a MW of about 10,000 – 2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 100000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 500000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 1,000,000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 1,500,000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 2,000,000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 3,000,000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 4,000,000 Da or more. In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains having an MW of about 5,000,000 Da or more. Unless otherwise indicated, molecular weights of a PGA chain are calculated using the molecular weight of −NHCH(COOH)CH2CH2CO− and the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in the PGA chain. 29 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0086] In some embodiments, when measured for molecular weight, a polymer (which is typically a composition of a mixture of polymer molecules having different MW) may demonstrate a molecular weight of at least 1000 Da. In some embodiments, a MW is or close to Mn (number average molecular weight). In some embodiments, a MW is or close to Mw (weight average molecular mass). In some embodiments, a MW is or close to Mp (molecular weight of peak maxima). In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 10,000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 10,000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 10,000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 10,000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 100,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 150,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 200,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 250,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 300,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 400,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 500,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 600,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 700,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 800,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 900,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.1 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.2 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.3 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.4 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.5 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.6 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.8 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 1.9 MDa. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is about 2.0 MDa.

[0087] In some embodiments, the measured molecular weight is the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about or no more than about 1000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 10,000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an 30 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Mwof about 10,000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 10,000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 10,000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, aboutDa, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 100,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 150,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof is about 200,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 250,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 300,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 400,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 500,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 600,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 700,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 800,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 900,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.1 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.2 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.3 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.4 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.5 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.6 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mw of about 1.8 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mw of about 1.9 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mwof about 2.0 MDa.

[0088] In some embodiments, the measured molecular weight is the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about or no more than about 1000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 10,000-5,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 10,000-3,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 10,000-2,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 10,000-1,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 100,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 150,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof is about 200,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA 31 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 has an Mnof about 250,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 300,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 400,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 500,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 600,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 700,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 800,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 900,000 Da. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.1 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.2 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.3 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an M ofn about 1.4 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.5 MDa. In some PGA has an Mnof about 1.6 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.7 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.8 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 1.9 MDa. In some embodiments, PGA has an Mnof about 2.0 MDa.

[0089] In various embodiments, PGA molecules having a certain MW (e.g., about 0.5 MDa or more, about 0.7 MDa or more, about 1.0 MDa or more) and / or PGA molecules of a plurality is about 5%-95%, or about or at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% wt% of a PGA polymer composition. In various embodiments, PGA molecules having a certain MW (e.g., about 0.5 MDa or more, about 0.7 MDa or more, about 1.0 MDa or more) and / or PGA molecules of a plurality is about 5%-95%, or about or at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% mol% of a PGA polymer composition. In some embodiments, a provided composition has a low level (e.g., about or less than about 5%-50%, about or less than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% wt% or mol%) of PGA molecules whose molecular weight is no more than about 0.5 MDa, 0.4 MDa, 0.3 MDa, 0.2 MDa, 0.1 MDa or 0.05 Ma.

[0090] Molecular weight of a polymer composition or portions thereof (e.g., PGA molecules) can be assessed by various technologies as described herein. In some embodiments, MWs of the same composition from different methods may be different. In many embodiments, MWs are assessed prior to crosslinking.

[0091] In some embodiments, dispersity of the provided polymer compositions is determined using the equation ÐM= (Mw) / (Mn). In some embodiments, provided polymer compositions has a dispersity of about 1.1 In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 1.1. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 1.2. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 1.3. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 1.4. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 1.5. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 2. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 2.5. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 3. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 3.5. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 4. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 5. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 7. In some embodiments, a dispersity is about 10. 32 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0092] In some embodiments, a PGA is α-PGA. In some embodiments, a PGA is γ-PGA. In some embodiments, a PGA comprises one or more −NH−CH(CH2CH2COOH)−C(O)− units (independently in acid or salt forms) and / or one or more −NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2−C(O)− units (independently in acid or salt forms). In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a PGA composition, wherein the composition comprises one or more PGA chain independently of the structure −[NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2CO]n− or a salt form thereof, wherein each n is about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a PGA composition, wherein the composition comprises one or more PGA chain independently of the structure −[NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2CO]n− or a salt form thereof, wherein the molar average of n is about or at least about 10.

[0093] As described herein, one or more −COOH groups may be optionally and independently crosslinked.

[0094] In some embodiments, the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA chain, e.g., a γ- polyglutamic acid chain, is n, wherein n is at least about 10. In some embodiments, the molar average number of monomeric glutamic acid units in PGA chains, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid chains, in a composition is n, wherein n is at least about 10. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, or 50000.

[0095] In some embodiments, n is about 100-100000, or about or at least about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000, 25000, 30000, 35000, 40000, 45000, or 50000. In some embodiments, n is about 100-40000. In some embodiments, n is about 500- 50000. In some embodiments, n is about 1000-50000. In some embodiments, n is about 2000-50000. In some embodiments, n is 500-10000. In some embodiments, n is about 1000-10000. In some embodiments, n is about 2000-10000. In some embodiments, n is about 3000-10000. In some embodiments, n is about 1000-5000. In some embodiments, n is about 2000-5000. In some embodiments, n is about 3000-5000. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 100. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 500. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 1000. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 1500. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 2000. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 2500. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 3000. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 3500. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 4000. In some embodiments, n is about or at least about 5000.

[0096] In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 10. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 500. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 1000. 33 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 1500. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 2000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 2500. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 3000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 1000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about or at least about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, or 50000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 1000 to 20000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 1000 to 15000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 1000 to 10000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 2000 to 20000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 2000 to 15000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 2000 to 10000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 1000, about 1500, about 2000, about 2500, about 3000, about 4000, about 5000, about 6000, about 7000, about 7500, about 8000, about 8500, about 9000, about 9500, about 10000, about 11000, about 12000, about 13000, about 14000, about 15000, about 16000, about 17000, about 18000, about 19000, or about 20000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 10000, about 11000, about 12000, about 13000, about 14000, about 15000, about 16000, about 17000, about 18000, about 19000, or about 20000. In some embodiments, provided PGA compositions are enriched for PGA molecules or chains for which n is about 5000, about 6000, about 7000, about 7500, about 8000, about 8500, about 9000, about 9500, about 10000, about 11000, about 12000, about 13000, about 14000, or about 15000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2500. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 3000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 3500. In some embodiments, for about or at least 34 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 4000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 4500. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 5000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000 to about 10000, 15000 or 20000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000-20000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000-15000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000-10000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 5000-15000. In some embodiments, for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 5000-10000. In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 40%. In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 50%. In some embodiments, n is at least about 2000 for at least about 60% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is at least about 2000 for at least about 70% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is at least about 2000 for at least about 80% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is at least about 2000 for at least about 90% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 40% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 50% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 60% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 70% (mol%) of PGA molecules or chains in the composition. In some embodiments, the molar average of n for PGA molecules or chains in the composition is about 10000.

[0097] In some embodiments, one or more −COOH independently exist in a salt form, e.g., a Na, K, Ma, Ca salt form. In some embodiments, one or more −COOH independently exist in a sodium salt form. In some embodiments, one or more −COOH independently exist in a potassium salt form.

[0098] In some embodiments, pH of a PGA composition is about 4.5 to about 8.5. In some embodiments, pH of a composition is about 4.9 to about 6.9. In some embodiments, pH of a composition is about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, 35 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.9.

[0099] In some embodiments, provided polymers, e.g., PGA, are crosslinked.

[0100] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) compositions, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition with a crosslinker. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of PGA in the composition. In some embodiments, weight average molecular weight (Mw) of PGA in the PGA composition is about 200 kDa or more; and the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition.

[0101] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) compositions, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition as described herein with a crosslinker, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition.

[0102] In some embodiments, PGA in a PGA composition is crosslinked to form water-insoluble hydrogel polymers. In some embodiments, a crosslinked PGA is prepared from a reaction between the pendant carboxylic acid groups and a crosslinker or a combination of crosslinkers. In some embodiments, a crosslinker comprises one or more functional groups or moieties that can react with the pendant carboxylic acid on the PGA in a PGA composition. In some embodiments, a functional group or moiety that can react with a carboxylic group is amino, hydroxy, epoxy, haloalkane, disulfide, or oxazoline. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is an amine-based crosslinker, a hydroxy-based crosslinker, an epoxy-based crosslinker, a haloalkane crosslinker, a disulfide containing crosslinker, or an oxazoline-based crosslinker, or a combination thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is an epoxy-based crosslinker. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of PGA in a composition. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy- based crosslinker, is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of PGA in a composition. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 36 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 0.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0%. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is more than 5.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 6%. In some embodiments, it is about 7%. In some embodiments, it is about 8%. In some embodiments, it is about 9%. In some embodiments, it is about 10%.

[0104] In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a bifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a trifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a tetrafunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a multifunctional crosslinker.

[0105] In some embodiments, an epoxy-based crosslinker is ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3- glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, or 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, an epoxy-based crosslinker is ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, or 1,6- hexanediol diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, an epoxy-based crosslinker is ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE). In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of PGA in the composition. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition. In some 37 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0%. In some embodiments an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is more than 5.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 6%. In some embodiments, it is about 7%. In some embodiments, it is about 8%. In some embodiments, it is about 9%. In some embodiments, it is about 10%.

[0106] In some embodiments, provided crosslinked PGA compositions comprise various particle sizes. In some embodiments, provided crosslinked PGA compositions may be provided as various particle sizes. In some embodiments, particle sizes are about 30-1000, about 100-1000, about 200-1000, about 230- 1000, about 200-900, about 200-800, about 200-700, about 200-600, e.g., about or at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, or no more than about 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, microns. In some embodiments, a level of particles, e.g., about 50%-95%, about 60%-95%, about 70%-95%, about 75-95%, about 80%-95%, about 85-95%, about or at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of provided crosslinked PGA compositions comprise particles having a size, e.g., about 30-1000, about 100-1000, about 200-1000, about 230-1000, about 200-900, about 200- 800, about 200-700, about 200-600, e.g., about or at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, or no more than about 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, microns. In some embodiments, about 80-95% of the composition are particles having a size of about 150 to about 600 38 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 microns. In some embodiments, about 40-80% of the composition are particles between 300 and 600 microns. In some embodiments, a percentage is weight percentage. In some embodiments, a percentage is particle number percentage. In some embodiments, sizes are measured by screening through US standard mesh screens. Certain Properties of Certain Absorbent Polymers

[0107] Among other things, provided PGA polymers, e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid polymers, and compositions possess a number of properties / performance characteristics and are particularly useful for use as SAPs, e.g., in hygiene products such as diapers. In some embodiments, provided polymers and compositions display one or more or all properties / performance characteristics described below. Among other things, polymers and / or compositions are selected for such properties / characteristics, and / or are enriched for polymer molecules that display one or more or all properties / performance characteristics described below.

[0108] In some embodiments, provided polymers have a time of absorption that is less than about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50 second, e.g., as measured by the vortex method using saline. In some embodiments, it is less than about 90s. In some embodiments, it is less than about 60 s. In some embodiments, it is less than about 50 s. In some embodiments, it is less than about 40 s. In some embodiments, it is less than about 30 s.

[0109] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide high AULs so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. have an AUL about 10 or more (e.g., 10-50, about 10- 40, about 12-40, about 15-40, about or at least about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under a pressure. In some embodiments, a pressure is 0.3 psi. In some embodiments, an AUL is about 12- 40 g / g (e.g., about 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40) under 0.3 psi. In some embodiments, an AUL is about 20 or more (e.g., about 20- 50, about 20-40, about or at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under 0.3 psi. In some embodiments, an AUL is about 10 or more (e.g., about 10-40, about or at least about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under 0.7 psi. In some embodiments, an AUL is about 15 or more (e.g., about 15-40, about or at least about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under 0.7 psi. In some embodiments, an AUL is about 10 or more (e.g., about 10-40, about 10-30, about or at least about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 39 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under 0.9 psi. In some embodiments, AUL is measured using saline (e.g., 0.9%, or 9g / L saline solution). In some embodiments, AUL is measured according to ISO 17190-6. In some embodiments, AUL is measured using saline (e.g., 0.9%, or 9g / L saline solution) according to ISO 17190-7. In some embodiments, under a comparable or identical condition, prior commercial polymers utilized in diapers (e.g., PAA) display an AUL value of about 10-25 g / g. In some embodiments, AUL is about 15 or more (e.g., 15-35, about or at least about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g under 0.7 psi using saline, wherein a PAA polymer displays a value of about 11-25 g / g (in some embodiments, 17 g / g was observed by Applicant) under the same or comparable conditions. In some embodiments, provided technologies display AUL values described herein for a body fluid such as urine. In some embodiments, AUL is assessed according to ISO 17190-7 or comparable protocols.

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide high CRCs so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations have a CRC value of about 15 or more (e.g., about 15-50, about 15-40, about or at least about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g using saline under a condition described herein. In some embodiments, prior commercial polymers utilized in diapers (e.g., PAA) display a CRC value as described herein. In some embodiments, provided technologies display CRC values described herein for a body fluid such as urine. In some embodiments, CRC is assessed according to ISO 17190-6 or comparable protocols.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide high absorption rates so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, under a condition described herein, time in a vortex assessment is no more than about 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, or 30 seconds. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 90 seconds. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 80 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 70 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 60 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 50 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 45 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 35 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 40 s. In some embodiments, it is no more than about 30 s. In some embodiments, provided technologies display absorption rate values described herein for a body fluid such as urine.

[0112] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide high absorption capacity (FSC) so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. have a fluid absorption that is about 20 or more (e.g., about 20-60, 20-50, about or at least about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 40 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) g / g. In some embodiments, a fluid is saline (e.g., 0.9% or 9 g / L). In some embodiments, a fluid is a body fluid. In some embodiments, a fluid is urine. In some embodiments, absorption, e.g., saline absorption, is assessed according to ISO 17190-5 or comparable protocols.

[0113] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide suitable strength and / or stability so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, strength and / or stability are sufficient for utilization in hygiene products such as diapers. In some embodiments, in their reasonable commercial product life provided polymers and compositions display comparable or better strength and / or stability compared to prior polymers and compositions, e.g., PAA polymers and compositions. In some embodiments, provided polymers and compositions are substantially free of, or display significantly lower levels of, “slime” and / or “bleeding” phenomenon suffered by many starch-based SAPs.

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, provided polymers and compositions can provide high flow conductivity so that they can be effectively utilized, e.g., as SAPs, under various conditions. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations have a saline flow conductivity of about 10- 50, e.g., about 10-40, about 10-30, about 10-20, about 10, about 15, x l0-7cm3sec g-1, e.g., as determined by the saline flow conductivity (SFC) test as set forth herein.

[0115] Among other things, technologies (e.g., polymers, compositions, preparations, products, etc.) of the present disclosure provide the advantages of degradability, e.g., biodegradability, compared to many commercial SAPs such as PAA-based SAPs. In some embodiments, degradability is measured according to protocols in OECD 31-B or comparable conditions. In some embodiments, no less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% of the polymers degrade over 28 days.

[0116] In some embodiments, provided technologies can be prepared from renewable materials, e.g., as determined by levels of14C,13C, and / or14C / 13C isotope ratios (e.g., through ASTM D6866 methods).

[0117] In some embodiments, provided technologies (e.g., polymers, compositions, preparations, products, etc.) may be provided as various particle sizes. In some embodiments, particle sizes are about 30-1000, about 100-1000, about 200-1000, about 230-1000, about 200-900, about 200-800, about 200-700, about 200-600, e.g., about or at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, or no more than about 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, microns. In some embodiments, a level of particles, e.g., about 50%-95%, about 60%-95%, about 70%-95%, about 75-95%, about 80%-95%, about 85-95%, about or at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of provided technologies are particles having a size, e.g., about 30-1000, about 100-1000, about 200-1000, about 230- 1000, about 200-900, about 200-800, about 200-700, about 200-600, e.g., about or at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000, or no more than about 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 41 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 or 1000, microns. In some embodiments, about 80-95% of the composition are particles having a size of about 150 to about 600 microns. In some embodiments, about 40-80% of the composition are particles between 300 and 600 microns. In some embodiments, a percentage is weight percentage. In some embodiments, a percentage is particle number percentage. In some embodiments, sizes are measured by screening through US standard mesh screens.

[0118] In some embodiments, provided technologies (e.g., polymers, compositions, preparations, products, etc.) have low levels (e.g., less than about 5%-50%, about or less than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% wt% or mol%) of certain entities. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 50% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 40% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 30% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 20% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 10% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 5% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 4% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 3% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 2% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or less than about 1% by weight and / or mole. In some embodiments, technologies have low levels of PGA molecules whose molecular weight is no more than about 0.5 MDa, 0.4 MDa, 0.3 MDa, 0.2 MDa, 0.1 MDa or 0.05 MDa. In some embodiments, technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of acrylic acid and / or acrylamide components. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylic acid (PAA; −[CH2−CH(COR’)]n− or a salt form thereof) units, wherein n is about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylic acid (PAA; −[CH2−CH(COR’)]n− or a salt form thereof) units co-polymerized with one or more polyglutamic acid (−[NH−CH(COR’)CH2CH2−CO]p− or a salt form thereof) units, wherein each of n and p is independently about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylamide (PAM; −[CH2−CH(CON(R)2)]m−) units, wherein m is about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylamide (PAM; −[CH2−CH(CON(R)2)]m−) units co-polymerized with one or more polyglutamic acid (−[NH−CH(COR’)CH2CH2−CO]p− or a salt form thereof) units, wherein each of m and p is independently about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylic acid-acrylamide (−[[CH2−CH(COOH)]n−−[CH2−CH(CON(R)2)]m]t− or a salt form thereof) units, wherein each of n, m and t is independently about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, provided technologies have low levels of or is substantially free of polyacrylic acid- acrylamide (−[[CH2−CH(COOH)]n−−[CH2−CH(CON(R)2)]m]t− or a salt form thereof) units co- 42 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 polymerized with one or more polyglutamic acid (−[NH−CH(COR’)CH2CH2−CO]p− or a salt form thereof) units, wherein each of m and p is independently about 1-1,000,000. In some embodiments, n is about or is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000, or 100000. In some embodiments, m is about or is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000, or 100000. In some embodiments, t is about or is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000, or 100000. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., have low levels of or is substantially free of polysaccharides, sugars, and / or amino acids, etc., that are typically used in culture medium (e.g., those for bacteria).

[0119] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an absorbent based on a biodegradable polymer of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) with CRC of about 15 g / g or higher, with AUL under 0.3 psi of about 12 g / g or higher, with AUL under 0.7 psi of about 10 g / g or higher, Vortex speed of about 90 seconds or faster, and a saline flow conductivity of about 15 x l0-7cm3sec g-1as determined by the saline flow conductivity (SFC) test as set forth herein.

[0120] Provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. may be manufactured utilizing various technologies in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, provided technologies comprise polymerization of glutamic acid monomeric units (e.g., as glutamic acid, or a salt, ester, or amide thereof). In some embodiments, polymerization is performed biologically, e.g., in a culture (e.g., a bacteria culture) under suitable conditions. In some embodiments, polymerization is performed in chemical reactors. In some embodiments, polymerization is performed so that it can provide preparations enriched for polymer molecules having properties and / or performance characteristics as described herein compared to a reference condition, e.g., without intentional control to enrich polymer molecules having the properties and / or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, preparations are purified. In some embodiments, preparations are enriched for polymer molecules having properties and / or performance characteristics as described herein.

[0121] In some embodiments, polymers, e.g., PGA, are prepared from microbes, e.g., bacteria. In some embodiments, microbes are or comprise one or more Bacillus species, which may be engineered and / or optimized for the production of polymers, compositions, and / or preparations as described herein. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from one or more bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus 43 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 epidermidis, Natrialba aegyptiaca, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Fusobacterium nucleate. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from one or more bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, and Escherichia coli. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from one or more bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, and B. methylotrophicus. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from B. licheniformis. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from B. subtilis. In some embodiments, PGA compositions are prepared from E. coli.

[0122] In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. are prepared from a renewable feedstock. In some embodiments, a feedstock is or comprises dextrose. In some embodiments, a feedstock is or comprises pretreated lignocellulose. In some embodiments, a feedstock is or comprises glycerol. In some embodiments, a feed stock is or comprises glutamic acid or a salt, ester or amide thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a crosslinked PGA composition, comprising: providing a PGA composition; and crosslinking PGA in the PGA composition with a crosslinker.

[0124] In some embodiments, a PGA composition has properties as described herein, e.g., has MW, distributions, etc. as described herein and / or has controlled levels of various components as described herein. In some embodiments, a PGA composition is a culture, e.g., a bacteria culture comprising PGA. In some embodiments, a PGA composition is purified from a culture before crosslinking to have levels of various components in ranges as described herein. In some embodiments, a γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition comprises low levels of K+, e.g., compared to Na+. In some embodiments, crosslinking is performed by contacting a PGA composition with a crosslinker, e.g., polyglycidyl ether, at a certain level (e.g., 0.01-10% wt). In some embodiments, contacting is performed under a suitable condition, e.g., heating (e.g., about 40-200, about 50-200, about 100-200, about 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 °C) for a suitable period of time (e.g., about 10-2000, about 10-500, e.g. about 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 200, 400, 800, 1000, 2000, etc. minutes) so that PGA molecules are crosslinked as desired. In some embodiments, particles are surface crosslinked. In some embodiments, particles of crosslinked polymers are further surface crosslinked using a crosslinking technology as described herein.

[0125] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is provided as a composition comprising a number of the same or different agents that can crosslink polymers such as PGA polymers. In some embodiments, a crosslinked PGA is prepared from a reaction between the pendant carboxylic acid groups and a crosslinker 44 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 or a combination of crosslinkers. In some embodiments, a crosslinker comprises one or more functional groups or moieties that can react with pendant carboxylic acid on the PGA in a PGA composition. In some embodiments, one or more functional groups or moieties that can react with the carboxylic acid is selected from amines, hydroxy, epoxy, haloalkanes, disulfides, and oxazolines, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is an amine-based crosslinker, a hydroxy-based crosslinker, an epoxy-based crosslinker, a haloalkane crosslinker, a disulfide containing crosslinker, or an oxazoline-based crosslinker, or a combination thereof.

[0126] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is an epoxy-based crosslinker. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of PGA in a composition. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy- based crosslinker, is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of PGA in a composition. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is about 0.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0%. In some embodiments, an amount of a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is more than 5.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 6%. In some embodiments, it is about 7%. In some embodiments, it is about 8%. In some embodiments, it is about 9%. In some embodiments, it is about 10%.

[0127] In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a bifunctional, 45 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a bifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy- based crosslinker, is a trifunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a tetrafunctional crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker, e.g., an epoxy-based crosslinker, is a multifunctional crosslinker.

[0128] In some embodiments, an epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, an epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3- glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, an epoxy- based crosslinker is ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE). In some embodiments, an amount of a ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of PGA in the composition. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker is about 0.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 0.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.3%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 1.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.1%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.2%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.3%. In some 46 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 embodiments, it is about 2.4%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.6%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.7%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.8%. In some embodiments, it is about 2.9%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 3.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 4.5%. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0%. In some embodiments, an amount of an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) crosslinker linker is more than 5.0%. In some embodiments, it is about 6%. In some embodiments, it is about 7%. In some embodiments, it is about 8%. In some embodiments, it is about 9%. In some embodiments, it is about 10%.

[0129] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises diglycidyl ether, triglycidylether, poly glycidyl ether containing 3 or more epoxy groups, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises triglycidylether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises poly glycidyl ether containing 3 or more epoxy groups. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises sorbitol polyglycdyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises ERISYS 60. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises sorbitol ERISYS 61. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises glycerol diglycidyl ether.

[0130] In some embodiments, present disclosure provides a method of preparing a crosslinked PGA composition which further comprises: (i) providing a PGA solution; and (ii) adjusting the pH of the PGA solution.

[0131] In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to between about 4.5 to about 8.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to between about 4.9 to about 6.9. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to be about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.9. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is about 4.5. In some embodiments, the pH is about 4.6. In some embodiments, it is about 4.7. In some embodiments, it is about 4.8. In some embodiments, it is about 4.9. In some embodiments, it is about 5.0. In some embodiments, it is about 5.1. In some embodiments, it is about 5.2. In some embodiments, it is about 5.3. In some embodiments, it is about 5.4. In some embodiments, it is about 5.5. In some embodiments, it is about 5.6. In some embodiments, it is about 5.7. In some embodiments, it is about 5.8. In some embodiments, it is about 5.9. In some embodiments, it is about 6.0. In some embodiments, it is about 6.1. In some embodiments, it is about 6.2. In some embodiments, it is about 6.3. In some embodiments, it is about 6.4. In some embodiments, it is about 6.5. In some embodiments, it is about 6.6. In some embodiments, it is about 6.7. In some embodiments, it is about 6.8. 47 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 In some embodiments, it is about 6.9. In some embodiments, it is about 7.0. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA is greater than 7.0. In some embodiments, it is about 7.1, In some embodiments, it is about 7.2. In some embodiments, it is about 7.3. In some embodiments, it is about 7.4. In some embodiments, it is about 7.5. In some embodiments, it is about 7.6. In some embodiments, it is about 7.7, In some embodiments, it is about 7.8. In some embodiments, it is about 7.9. In some embodiments, it is about 8.0. In some embodiments, it is about 8.1. In some embodiments, it is about 8.2. In some embodiments, it is about 8.3. In some embodiments, it is about 8.4. In some embodiments, it is about 8.5.

[0132] In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using alkali ionic bases. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using LiOH, KOH, or NaOH. In some embodiments, the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using KOH, or NaOH. In some embodiments, the PGA solution is adjusted using KOH. In some embodiments, the PGA solution is adjusted using NaOH. Among other things, the present disclosure demonstrates that cations can impact properties of crosslinked PGA, e.g., γ- polyglutamic acid.

[0133] In some embodiments, a PGA composition is or comprises a solution of 5 or more (e.g., about 5-150, 5-100, 10-100, 20-100, 30-100, 40-100, 50-100, about or at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100) g / L PGA at a suitable pH (e.g., about 4-7). In some embodiments, a PGA composition is or comprises a solution of 10 or more g / L PGA at a suitable pH (e.g., about 4-7). In some embodiments, a PGA composition is or comprises a solution of 50 or more g / L PGA at a suitable pH (e.g., about 4-7). In some embodiments, a PGA composition is or comprises a solution of 100 or more g / L PGA at a suitable pH (e.g., about 4-7).

[0134] In some embodiments, a provided method further comprises: (i) drying a crosslinked PGA composition; and (ii) grinding and sieving the dried crosslinked PGA composition to a desired particle size range.

[0135] In some embodiments, preparations are made into desired particle sizes through, e.g., grinding. Certain useful particle sizes and / or distributions are described herein.

[0136] In some embodiments, crosslinking is or comprises crosslinking by radiation, e.g., γ-radiation, e-beam radiation, etc. Crosslinking

[0137] In some embodiments, provided polymers are crosslinked. Various technologies (e.g., reagents, conditions, etc.) may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure to control and provide structural features, properties and / or performance characteristics as described herein.

[0138] In some embodiments, crosslinking is performed using one or more crosslinkers. In some embodiments, two or more glutamic acid units each independently of the structure of 48 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 −NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2CO− or a salt form thereof are crosslinked with a crosslinker. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises EGDGE. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises polyglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises sorbitol polyglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises a diol or polyol di-or poly-glycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises butanediol diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises neopentyl diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises glycerol diglycidyl ether.

[0139] In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. are manufactured by direct crosslinking PGA using glycidyl ethers. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc. are prepared in a pot, one-step crosslinking method that has flexibility for enabling tunable properties of PGA-based absorbent polymer for, e.g., hygiene (and other) desired industrial applications.

[0140] In many embodiments, for conducting the crosslinking reaction of the present disclosure, amount of the crosslinker, on the basis of the total weight of (A) PGA and (B) crosslinking agent, is less than about 10 wt % of the total weight. In some embodiments, it is about 0.01-10% by weight. In some embodiments, it is about 1-10% by weight. In some embodiments, it is about 1%. In some embodiments, it is about 2%. In some embodiments, it is about 3%. In some embodiments, it is about 4%. In some embodiments, it is about 5%. In some embodiments, it is about 6%. In some embodiments, it is about 7%. In some embodiments, it is about 8%. In some embodiments, it is about 9%. In some embodiments, it is about 10%. In some embodiments, provided technologies comprise particles, e.g., PGA particles, which are surface crosslinked. Without the intention to be limited by any theory, in some embodiments, Applicant notes that if the level of crosslinking is low (e.g., below 0.1 wt% of crosslinker), water absorbance is high, but a polymer may be partially water soluble, and may lead to high extractable polymers and limit certain uses; in some embodiments, if the level of crosslinking is high (e.g., much greater than 10 wt% of crosslinker), crosslink networks may be too tight, and hydrogels may exhibit low absorbability. In some embodiments, the present technologies provide various suitable properties and / or characteristics through methods including adjusting crosslinking levels.

[0141] In some embodiments, crosslinking of the present disclosure does not require special conditions or instruments, or otherwise involve limitations on scale and / or cost. In some embodiments, glass reactors equipped with stirrer devices or culture containers in an oil or water bath can be utilized to accomplish crosslinking.

[0142] In some embodiments, methods of the present invention may further comprise one or more or all steps of hydrating crosslinked products for swelling, removing un-crosslinked components, e.g., by filtration, and drying to obtain crosslinked products which can provide high water absorbability. 49 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0143] In some embodiments, a crosslinking reagent is mixed with a water solution of a polymer or a composition, e.g., γ-PGA and then placed into an oven at a suitable temperature, e.g., about 150 ºC for a suitable period of time, e.g., about 1.5 hours. In some embodiments, a polymer or a composition, e.g., γ- PGA is swelled with minimal water to provide maximum swelling. The swollen product is then mixed with an alcohol such as ethanol and heated to a suitable temperature, e.g., about 70 ºC for a suitable period of time, e.g., about 1 hour and then filtered and dried.

[0144] In some embodiments, polymers, compositions and preparations, etc., are hydrogels, and can be used in any desired shapes. Among other things, hydrogels can be granulated into fixed shapes or made into irregular shapes, pellets, plates, etc. Provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., e.g., crosslinked γ-PGA, can be ground using either wet or dry milling in equipment known in the art, including but not limited to rotary, cutting and knife blade mills and grinders, mortar, disk and ball mills, and attritors.

[0145] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides high-performance absorbent polymer particles, e.g., of crosslinked γ-PGA compositions. In some embodiments, polymers such as un-crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid can be obtained through biobased methods or from renewable starting materials. Crosslinked polymer particles, e.g., crosslinked γ-PGA particles, can be dispersed in an aqueous system wherein particles swell in an aqueous system without dissolving and acting as a superabsorbent.

[0146] In some embodiments, crosslinked polymer particles, e.g., crosslinked γ-PGA particles as described herein, can significantly increase in performance properties, e.g., CRC, AUL, and absorption speed as measured using ISO 17190 test methods or test methods reported herein when the molecular weight of polymers, e.g., γ-PGA, the base polyamino acid, is increased. It is observed that such increase can be achieved whether or not further processes such as surface crosslinking are conducted. Additionally, provided technologies can provide surprising improvements regardless of how crosslinking is conducted and / or which crosslinking agent is used. Without the intention to be bound by any theory, it is noted that at least in some instances, spaghetti-type structure afforded by high MW PGA held together by crosslinking may be crucial to provide polymers with necessary strength to achieve AUL metrics comparable to PAA- based SAPs. In some embodiments, polymers and compositions can be optimized through crosslinking density, crosslinker structures and / or properties, e.g., epoxy value of crosslinkers (i.e., number of epoxy groups / crosslinker). In some embodiments, structure of crosslinking agents, conditions of crosslinking, particle size distributions of absorbent, surface crosslinking, etc., may have an effect on performance properties and may be optimized accordingly to provide desired properties and / or performance characteristics.

[0147] In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., are water soluble. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., are insoluble in water. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., are solid. In some embodiments, 50 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., are solid particles. In some embodiments, provided polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., are hydrogels insoluble in water. In some embodiments, compositions of PGA, e.g., γ-PGA, and crosslinking bonds are selected to render insoluble hydrogel materials, which have a hydrophilic structure capable of swelling and holding large amounts of water in the resulting swollen three-dimensional networks of crosslinked poly-amino acid in the particles. Provided compositions of the present disclosure include crosslinked γ-PGA particles that when swollen with aqueous fluids absorbs up to 1000 times its dry weight of said fluid. In various embodiments, a particle size is selected between 100 and 600 microns, however, the particle size, though important in some embodiments, is not a limitation in this regard. γ-PGA

[0148] In some embodiments, a provided polymer, composition or preparation is or comprises γ-PGA. In some embodiments, crosslinked γ-PGA of the present disclosure comprises γ-PGA that is a linear homopolymer comprising glutamic monomer units linked at the gramma position and thus having one carboxylic acid side group per monomer. In some embodiments, a crosslinked γ-PGA is prepared using D- γ-poly(glutamate), L-γ-poly(glutamate), D,L-γ-poly(glutamate) or any combination of these. Certain PGA can be prepared or obtained commercially. In some embodiments, a PGA is of biological origin and produced from a renewable feedstock. In some embodiments, γ -PGA is produced industrially using fermentation by various Bacillus species. Bacillus strains used for γ-PGA production in some embodiments require an external supply of glutamic acid for the synthesis of γ-PGA, whereas certain species can synthesize this polymer to significant levels by utilizing the intracellular glutamate pools that are synthesized via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (referred to as glutamate independent strains). Depending on strain chosen and conditions of fermentation, one can obtain PGA with different weighted average molecular weights. Furthermore, after fermentation, PGA can be further purified using filtration with filtration membranes with different molecular cut off’s to obtain PGA with the desired molecular weight profiles. In some embodiments, PGA is produced industrially using fermentation by various Corynebacterium species.

[0149] In some embodiments, PGA or may have a weight average molecular weight of from about 1000 Da or from about 10,000 Da or from about 20,000 Da or from about 100,000 Da or from about 2500,000 Da or from about 500,000 Da or from about 700,000 Da or from about 1,000,000 Da or from about 1,500,000 Da or from about 2,000,000 Da or up to about 5,000,000 Da. Among the specific included ranges that may be mentioned for the weight average molecular of the γ-PGA are from about 10,000 Da up to about 2,000,000 Da.

[0150] In some embodiments, molecular weights of PGA or crosslinked PGA are determined using 51 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 technologies described in the Examples. In some embodiments, molecular weights are determined using the procedure described in Example 2. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is from about 1000 Da or from about 10,000 Da or from about 20,000 Da or from about 100,000 Da or from about 2500,000 Da or from about 500,000 Da or from about 700,000 Da or from about 1,000,000 Da or from about 1,500,000 Da or from about 2,000,000 Da or from about 5,000,000 Da up to about 10,000,000 Da or up to about 15,000,000 Da or up to about 20,000,000 Da or up to about 25,000,000 Da or up to about 30,000,000 Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mw. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mn. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mp. In some embodiments, it is about 0.1-10, 0.2-10, 0.3-10, 0.1-5, 0.2-5, 0.3-5, 0.1-4, 0.2-4, 0.3-4, 0.1-3, 0.2-3, 0.3-3, 0.1-2, 0.2-2, 0.3-2, or about or at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9.2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 million Da. For example, in some embodiments, it is about 0.39 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.6 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.65 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.68 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.7 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.8 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1.9 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 2 million Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mn. In some embodiments, it is about 0.01-10, 0.02-10, 0.1-10, 0.2-10, 0.3-10, 0.1-5, 0.2-5, 0.3-5, 0.1-4, 0.2-4, 0.3-4, 0.1-3, 0.2-3, 0.3-3, 0.1-2, 0.2-2, 0.3-2, 0.1-1, 0.2-1 or 0.3-1, or about or at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9. 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.2 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.3 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.4 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.5 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.6 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.65 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.7 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.8 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.9 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 1 million Da. In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mw. In some embodiments, it is about 0.1-10, 0.2-10, 0.3-10, 0.1-5, 0.2-5, 0.3-5, 0.1-4, 0.2-4, 0.3-4, 0.1-3, 0.2-3, 0.3-3, 0.1-2, 0.2-2, 0.3-2, or about or at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9. 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 million Da. For example, in some embodiments, it is about 0.4 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 0.5 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 2 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 2.2 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 2.5 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 3 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 4 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 4.6 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 5 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 6 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 7 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 8 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 9 million Da. In some embodiments, it is about 10 million Da.

[0151] In some embodiments, a level of PGA within a composition or preparation is above a threshold 52 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 (e.g., based on area% of, e.g., UV absorption at e.g., 210 nm, RI detection, etc.). In some embodiments, a level is about or at least about 10%-95%, 10-90%, 10-80%, 10%-70%, 20%-90%, 20%-80%, 20-70%, 30%- 90%, 30%-80%, 40%-90%, 40%-80%, 50%-90%, 50%-80%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 10%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 20%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 30%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 40%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 50%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 60%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 70%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 75%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 80%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 85%. In some embodiments, a percentage is about or at least about 90%. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 238 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 599 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 601 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 2,100 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 2,130 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 5,800 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 6,200 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 10,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 12,600 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 17,900. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 20,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 40,100. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 42,700 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 50,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 99,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 103,000 Da (e.g., the peak at around 18.1 min). In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 100,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 217,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 220,000 Da (e.g., the peak at around 17.3 min). In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 504,000 Da (e.g., the peak at around 16.3 min). In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 969,000 Da. In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 1,200,000 Da (e.g., the peak at around 15.2 min). In some embodiments, a threshold is about molecular weight 1,334,000 Da (e.g., the peak around 14.9 min). In some embodiments, a molecular weight is Mp. In some embodiments, a preparation or composition independently satisfies two or more independent levels at two or more independent thresholds. In some embodiments, a preparation or composition independently satisfies a level as described herein independently at each of the threshold of 99,000 Da, 217,000 Da, 504,000 Da and 969,000 Da. In some embodiments, a preparation or composition independently satisfies a level as described herein independently at each of the threshold of 103,000 Da, 220,000 Da, 504,000 Da, 1,200,000 Da, and 53 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 1,334,000 Da. In some embodiments, when calculating area or area%, only area before a threshold is utilized (e.g., for MW greater than a threshold (e.g., 10,000 Da, 20,000 Da, 30,000 Da, 40,000 Da, 50,000 Da, 60,000 Da, 70,000 Da, 80,000 Da or 99,000 Da, or Mpof 969,000, 504,000, 217,000, 99,000, 42,700, 12,600, 5,800, 2,100, 599, or 238 Da), or elution time before a peak time of a standard) or a time threshold (e.g., about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 17.5, 18, 19, or 20 min). In some embodiments, when calculating area or area%, only area before a threshold is utilized (e.g., for MW greater than a threshold (e.g., about 10,000 Da, 20,000 Da, 30,000 Da, 40,000 Da, 50,000 Da, 60,000 Da, 70,000 Da, 80,000 Da or 103,000 Da, or Mpof about 1,334,000, 1,200,000, 504,000, 220,000, 103,000, 40,100, 17,900, 6200, 2,130, 601, or 238 Da), or elution time before a peak time of a standard) or a time threshold (e.g., about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 17.5, 18, 19, or 20 min).

[0152] In some embodiments, the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA molecule is n wherein n is as described herein. In some embodiments, the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in a PGA chain is n wherein n is as described herein. In some embodiments, the molar average number of monomeric glutamic acid units in PGA molecules in a composition is n wherein n is as described herein. In some embodiments, the average number of monomeric glutamic acid units in PGA chains in a composition is n wherein n is as described herein.

[0153] In some embodiments, PGA of the present disclosure has a polydispersity in a range from about 1-50, 1-40, 1-30, 1-20, or 1-10, or about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 1.01. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 1.1. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 1.2. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 1.5. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 2. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 2.3. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 3. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 3.4. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 4. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 5. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 6. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 7. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 7.7. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 8. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 9. In some embodiments a PGA polydispersity is 10. In some embodiments, a PGA polydispersity is 50. In some embodiments, polydispersity is measured by standard GPC calculation of Mw / Mn(e.g., using RI).not limited to, crosslink bonds formed via reaction of carboxylic acid side groups with a crosslinking molecule 54 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 containing two or more groups reactive with carboxyl groups such as epoxide or aziridine groups, crosslink bonds formed via reaction of carboxylic acid side groups with a carbodiimide compound to form an O- acylisourea intermediate that subsequently reacts with a crosslinking molecule containing two or more reactive amine groups, and crosslink bonds formed via reaction of carboxylic acid side groups with a compound containing a glycidyl group and an ethylenically unsaturated group, with subsequent crosslinking via free radical or addition polymerization of the added ethylenically unsaturated group. Crosslink bonds can also be formed through random covalent bond formation between two atoms belonging two different linear PGA chains via actinic irradiation such as gamma or electron beam radiation.

[0155] Regardless of the type of crosslinking used, crosslinking can be at a ratio ranging from 1 crosslink bond per 10 glutamic acid monomer units to 1 crosslink bond per about 100,000 glutamic acid monomer units. In various embodiments, the crosslink ratio may be from 1 crosslink bond per 10 or per about 50 or per about 100 glutamic acid monomer units up to 1 crosslink bond per about 500 or per about 1000 or per about 10,000 or per about 50,000 or per about 100,000 glutamic acid monomer units. In some embodiments, crosslink ratios are from 1 crosslink bond per 10 glutamic acid monomer units to 1 crosslink bond per about 10,000 glutamic acid monomer units of a linear PGA chain.

[0156] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is produced from a renewable feedstock. The present is not limited to any particular type of crosslinking. Various crosslinking technologies (e.g., reagents, conditions, etc.) can be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, crosslinkers are selected from glycerol glycidyl, lipid derived glycidyl ethers and saccharide-based glycidyl ethers having three or more epoxy functional groups such as sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, isosorbide glycidyl ethers, pentaerythritol polyglycidyl ether, trimethylolethane triglycidyl ether, polyglycerol-3-glycidyl ether, castor oil triglycidyl ether, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, polyfunctional epoxy monomers are selected preferably from diglycerol tetraglycidyl ether, dipentaerythritol tetraglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether, and pentaerythritol polyglycidyl ether such as pentaerythritol tetraglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, monomers are or comprise hexafunctional glycidyl monomers, manatol polyglycidyl ether, and in particular sorbitol polyglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, a sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (CAS 68412-01-1) has the structure:12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 In some embodiments, it can be purchased as Erisys® GE-60 (also referred to herein as SorbGE60) from Emerald Performance Materials as well as the water soluble Erisys® GE-61, which has three to four epoxide groups per molecule. Typically, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE) refers to sorbitol polyglycidyl ether wherein more than one of the sorbitol hydroxy functional groups are substituted with an epoxide functional group. It includes but is not limited to Erisys® GE-60 and Erisys® GE-61, wherein 4 and between 3 to 4 hydroxy groups are replaced with epoxy functional group, respectively.

[0158] In some embodiments, a crosslinker is or comprises a bi- or tri-functional epoxy monomer, which is EGDGE, trimethylolethane triglycidyl ether, trimethylolmethane triglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, triphenylolmethane triglycidyl ether, trisphenol triglycidyl ether, tetraphenylol ethane triglycidyl ether, tetraglycidyl ether of tetraphenylol ethane, p-aminophenol triglycidyl ether, 1,2,6-hexanetriol triglycidyl ether, glycerol triglycidyl ether, diglycerol triglycidyl ether, glycerol ethoxylate triglycidyl ether, Castor oil triglycidyl ether, propoxylated glycerol triglycidyl ether, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether of molecular weights ranging from 500 – 10,000 Da, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, cyclohexanedimethanol diglycidyl ether, dipropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether of molecular weights ranging from 500 – 1,000,000 Da, dibromoneopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, hydrogenated bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, (3,4-Epoxycyclohexane) methyl 3,4- epoxycylohexylcarboxylate or any combination thereof.

[0159] In some embodiments, a suitable di-glycidyl functional monomer is for example ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (CAS 2224-15-9) for formula which is sold under the name Erisys®Materials.

[0160] In some embodiments, a suitable tri-glycidyl functional monomer is for example trimethylolpropane triglycidylether (CAS 30499-70-8) of formula56 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 which is sold under the name Erisys® GE 30 by Emerald Performance Materials.

[0161] Cyclic and aromatic polyglycidyl ethers can also be used in accordance with the presentdiglycidyl ether (following formula EP-1), catechol diglycidyl ether (following formula EP-2), resorcinol diglycidyl ether Phenyl] ethyl] phenyl] -2- [4- [1,1-bis [4- (2,3-epoxypropoxy) (Trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), resorcinol diglycidyl ether, TACTIX-742 (trade name: The EP-4), tris (4- glycidyloxyphenyl) methane DPPN-502H, DPPN-501H, and NC6000 (all trade names, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.), and DENCOL EX-201 (trade name, manufactured by Nagase ChemteX Corporation) Mower VG3101L (trade name, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals), a compound represented by the following formula EP-6 and a compound represented by the following formula (EP-7). Novolac Di and Multi-epoxy, Diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, 4,4′-Methylenebis(N,N-diglycidylaniline), and 1,3,5-Triglycidyl isocyanurate can also be used as crosslinkers.57 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0162] reactive epoxide groups include, but are not limited to, polyglycidyl ethers of alkanepolyols and poly(alkylene glycols), including, for further example, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerine diglycidyl ether and triglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether and butanediol diglycidyl ether. Additional suitable crosslinkers of this type include, for example, polyglycidyl ethers of erythritol, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, and trimethyolpropane. Further examples include diepoxyalkanes and diepoxyaralkanes, including, for further example, 1,2,3,4- diepoxybutane, 1,2,4,5-diepoxypentane, 1,2,5,6-diepoxyhexane, 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane, 1,4- and 1,3- divinylbenzene diepoxides; polyphenol polyglycidyl ethers, including, for further example, 4,4′- isopropylidenediphenol diglycidyl ether (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) and hydroquinone diglycidyl ether. In some embodiments, polyglycidyl ethers of alkanepolyols and poly(alkylene glycols) crosslinkers are selected, on the basis of forming biodegradable crosslink bonds and having degradation products of low toxicity.

[0163] In various embodiments, crosslinkers have three or more functional groups reactive with, e.g., carboxyl groups of PGA. In certain embodiments, it may be preferred to use a triglycidyl ether, tetraglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, or tri- or tetraaziridinyl derivative of an alkane polyol, such 58 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 as one of the examples described herein. Crosslinking Conditions

[0164] Various crosslinking conditions, e.g., concentrations, pH, temperatures, etc. may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. In various embodiments, crosslinking is achieved by heating a mixture of PGA and a crosslinker in a suitable solvent, e.g., water or one comprising water, at a suitable temperature, e.g., about 40-200 ºC, about 100-200ºC, about 120-180ºC, about 130-170ºC, about 40 ºC, 50ºC, about 60ºC, about 70ºC, about 80ºC, about 90ºC, about 100ºC, about 110ºC, about 120ºC, about 130ºC, about 140ºC, about 150ºC, about 160ºC, about 170ºC, about 180ºC, about 190ºC, about 200°C, for a suitable period of time, e.g., about 0.5-24 hours, about 0.5-20 hours, about 0.5-15 hours, about 0.5-12 hours, about 1-5 hours, about 1-4 hours, about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10 hours. In some embodiments, water is removed as crosslinkers react with PGA.

[0165] In some embodiments, crosslinking is performed using one or more radiation technologies. Various such technologies are available to those skilled in the art and can be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. Production of Absorbent Particles

[0166] Polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., e.g., crosslinked PGA particles can be manufactured to have desired particle sizes using variable technologies, e.g., mechanical grinding or homogenization methods, including for further example, micronization of a dried crosslinked material or homogenization of a hydrated material. In some embodiments, polymers, compositions, preparations, etc., e.g., crosslinked PGA materials, are manufactured into particles with a mean equivalent spherical diameter (that is, diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume to the mean volume of the particles) ranging from about 30 μm to 2000 μm, e.g., about 30-1000, about 30-500, about 100-2000, about 200-2000, or about 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 μm. In combination with technologies such as sieving, a defined particle size distribution can be achieved, e.g., those described herein to provide desired properties and / or performance characteristics. Provided particles can be of various particle shape or geometry or size distributions. Examples of particle geometries include, but are not limited to, flat or round or irregular granular particles, spheres, ellipsoids, and cylindrically-shaped particles (or whiskers).

[0167] In some embodiments, provided compositions, e.g., of particles of crosslinked γ-PGA, and processes may comprise additional additives or processes that enhance performances and / or ease of use in end applications. Examples include, but are not limited to, other molecular species that are crosslinked with polymers such as γ-PGA to alter material properties, surface crosslinking to create a protective coating 59 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 and decrease or eliminate gel blocking, surfactants or emulsifiers to enhance dispersion, coating particles with active formulation ingredients, impregnating particles with active formulation ingredients, etc. TheCertain Uses and Products

[0168] As described herein and appreciated by those skilled in the art, provided technologies, e.g., polymers, compositions, products, etc., may be utilized for a number of purposes. For example, in some embodiments, provided compositions are useful as SAPs, which can provide improved performance, e.g., in terms of AUL, CRC, biodegradability, and / or sustainability. In various embodiments, provided technologies are useful for absorbing liquid. In some embodiments, a liquid is or comprises a biological fluid. In some embodiments, a liquid is or comprises a body fluid. In some embodiments, a body fluid is or comprises urine. In some embodiments, a body fluid is or comprises blood. In some embodiments, a body fluid is or comprises a wound discharge.

[0169] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides various products or articles comprising provided polymers and compositions, particularly those useful as SAPs. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a hygiene product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a diaper. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a personal care product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a sanitary towel or napkin. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises an incontinence product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises an adult incontinence product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a menstrual product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises an incontinence underwear. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a female hygiene product. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a tampon. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a sanitary napkin. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a sanitary pad. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a sanitary towel. In some embodiments, a product or article is or comprises a wound covering. In some embodiments, a product or article is for engineering, industrial, food, or agricultural uses. In some embodiments, a product or article is for agricultural uses. In some embodiments, a product or article is for horticultural uses. In some embodiments, a composition, article or product is for horticultural uses. In some embodiments, a composition, article or product is used as a rheology modifier. 60 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0170] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an article or product, comprising enclosing a provided composition (e.g., particle) in a pocket of the article.

[0171] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method comprising contacting a liquid with a composition, particle or article as described herein.

[0172] Among other things, advantages and benefits of the provided technologies comprise sustainability and biodegradability in addition to various improved chemical and physical properties. Compared to traditional petroleum- or other fossil-based polymer technologies, provided technologies are dramatically more environmental-friendly.

[0173] For example, among other things, provided technologies can use and comprise materials from renewable sources. In some embodiments, provided technologies use and comprise materials from bio- based sources. In some embodiments, provided technologies, e.g., polymers, compositions, articles, etc. are biodegradable. In some embodiments, they are compostable. In some embodiments, levels of14C,13C, and / or14C / 13C isotope ratios (e.g., through ASTM D6866 methods) reflect or closer to those of bio- based levels and / or ratios compared to petroleum- or other fossil-based technologies. In some embodiments, provided technologies utilize renewable materials. In some embodiments, provided technologies utilize bio-based materials. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of polymer chains in a provided technology (e.g., a composition, a particle, a product, an article, a method, a use, etc.) is renewable or bio- based. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of polymer chains in a provided technology is renewable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of polymer chains in a provided technology is bio-based. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of SAP materials in a provided technology, is renewable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of SAP materials in a provided technology, is bio-based. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of a provided technology is renewable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of a provided technology is bio-based. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of an article is renewable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of an article is bio-based. In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 50% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 60% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 70% (wt%). In some 61 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 80% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 90% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 95% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about 100% (wt%).

[0174] In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of polymer chains (e.g., γ-PGA chains) in a provided technology (e.g., a composition, a particle, a product, an article, a method, a use, etc.) is biodegradable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of polymer chains (e.g., γ-PGA chains) in a provided technology is compostable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of SAP materials in a provided technology is biodegradable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of SAP materials in a provided technology is compostable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of a provided technology is biodegradable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of a provided technology is compostable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of an article is biodegradable. In some embodiments, about or at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, or 100% (wt%), of an article is compostable. In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 50% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 60% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 70% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 80% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 90% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or at least about 95% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about 100% (wt%).

[0175] Among other things, provided technologies can reduce or avoid use of petroleum- or fossil- based polymer technologies. In some embodiments, provided technologies comprise low levels (e.g., about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%)) of or no petroleum- or fossil-based polymer technologies compared traditional petroleum- or fossil-based technologies, e.g., SAP technologies. For example, in some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of polymer chains in a provided technology is petroleum derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of polymer chains in a provided technology is fossil derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 62 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of SAP materials in a provided technology is petroleum derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of the SAP materials in a provided technology is fossil derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of a provided technology is petroleum derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of a provided technology is fossil derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of a composition is petroleum derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of a composition is fossil derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of an article is petroleum derived. In some embodiments, about or no more than about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt%) of an article is fossil derived. In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 50% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 50% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 40% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 30% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 25% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 20% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 15% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 10% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 5% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 2% (wt%). In some embodiments, the percentage is about or no more than about 1% (wt%).

[0176] Among other things, the present disclosure provides the following example Embodiments: 1. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts. 2. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: 63 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked. 3. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about 100 ppm or more. 4. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about 80000 ppm or more. 5. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm. 6. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises a potassium salt form of PGA. 7. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is at least about 100 ppm. 8. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100-75000 ppm. 9. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the ratio of Na+ to K+ in the composition is about or at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. 10. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-10. 11. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-1. 12. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-10. 13. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. 14. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about 2-7. 15. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about 64 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 3-7. 16. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about 17. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.8. 18. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.7. 19. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.6. 20. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.5. 21. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.4. 22. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts. 23. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked. 24. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about 100 ppm or more. 25. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about 80000 ppm or more. 65 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 26. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm. 27. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises a sodium salt form of PGA. 28. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is at least about 100 ppm. 29. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100-75000 ppm. 30. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the ratio of K+ to Na+ in the composition is about or at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. 31. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-10. 32. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-1. 33. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-10. 34. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-0.1. 35. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-34, wherein pH of the composition is about 2-7. 36. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-34, wherein pH of the composition is about 3-7. 37. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-34, wherein pH of the composition is about 5-6. 38. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 6.3. 39. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 6.2. 40. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 6.1. 41. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 6. 42. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.9. 43. The composition of any one of Embodiments 22-37, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.8. 66 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 44. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in a biosynthetic process. 45. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in a cell. 46. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in an organism. 47. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in a microbe. 48. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in bacteria. 49. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Natrialba aegyptiaca, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Fusobacterium nucleate. 50. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, or Escherichia coli. 51. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in B. licheniformis. 52. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is polymerized in E. coli. 53. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA is prepared from a fermentation process. 54. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises one or more components from the fermentation process. 55. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises one or more carbohydrates. 56. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises one or more monosaccharides. 57. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more monosaccharides is selected from glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose, fucose, mannose, ribose, lyxose, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, galactosamine, and glucosamine, or a combination thereof. 58. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises 67 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 glucose. 59. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of glucose is about or no more than about 0.1-1.5 g / L. 60. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of glucose to monomeric GA units is about or no more than about 0.0001 to 0.1. 61. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises one or more amino acids. 62. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more amino acids is selected from arginine, histidine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, glycine, proline, cysteine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, or a combination thereof. 63. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises one or more carboxylates. 64. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more carboxylates are selected from formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, lactate, citrate, isocitrate, glutarate, itaconate, aconitate, fumarate, malate, and oxaloacetate, or a combination thereof. 65. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises a combination of one or more of formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, lactate, citrate, isocitrate, glutarate, itaconate, aconitate, fumarate, malate, and oxaloacetate. 66. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition comprises a combination of one or more of formate, acetate, pyruvate, succinate, and lactate. 67. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of each carboxylate is independently about or no more than about 0.01-1 g / L. 68. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of each carboxylate to monomeric GA units is independently about or no more than about is 0.0001 to 0.1. 69. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the comprises one or more other metal ions. 70. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more other metal ions are independently selected from the group calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, cobalt, and nickel. 71. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more metal ions is a combination of one or more of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, cobalt, and nickel. 72. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the one or more metal ions is 68 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 a combination of one or more of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc. 73. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of each of the one or more metal ions is independently about or no more than about 5-100000 ppm. 74. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of each metal ion to monomeric GA units is independently about or no than about 0.01-10. 75. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition further comprises sulfate and phosphate (which can be monobasic, dibasic or tribasic). 76. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of sulfate is about or no more than about 10-10000 ppm. 77. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of sulfur to monomeric GA units is about or no more than about 0.0001-0.5. 78. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the level of phosphate is about or no more than about 10-10000 ppm. 79. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar ratio of phosphorous to monomeric GA units is about or no more than about 0.0001-0.5. 80. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 1000-5,000,000 Da. 81. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 10,000-2,000,000 Da. 82. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 200,000 Da or more. 83. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. 84. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. 85. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. 86. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 1000-5,000,000 Da. 87. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 10,000-2,000,000 Da. 69 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 88. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the PGA has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 200,000 Da or more. 89. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa. 90. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa. 91. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa. 92. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in a number of PGA chain is independently n, wherein n is 10 or more. 93. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at least about 5% (mol%) up to about 95% of PGA molecules in the composition independently comprise 1000 or more glutamic acid monomeric units. 94. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein each PGA chain is independently of the structure: −[NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2CO]n−, or a salt form thereof, wherein each n is the number of the units. 95. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in each PGA chain is about or at least about 10. 96. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in each PGA chain is about or at least about 1000. 97. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition is enriched from PGA molecules for which n is about 2000 to about 20000. 98. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition is enriched from PGA molecules for which n is about 2000 to about 15000. 99. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the composition is enriched from PGA molecules for which n is about 2000 to about 10000. 100. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000. 101. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 70 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000. 102. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 5000. 103. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000 to about 10000, 15000 or 20000. 104. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000- 20000. 105. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000- 15000. 106. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000- 10000. 107. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 5000- 10000. 108. The composition of any one of Embodiments 100-107, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 40%. 109. The composition of any one of Embodiments 100-107, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 50%. 110. The composition of any one of Embodiments 100-107, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 60%. 111. The composition of any one of Embodiments 100-107, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 70%. 112. The composition of any one of Embodiments 100-107, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 80%. 113. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is at least about 2000 for at least about 60% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 114. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is at least about 2000 for at least about 70% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 115. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is at least about 2000 for at least about 80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 71 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 116. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is at least about 2000 for at least about 90% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 117. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 118. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 40% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 119. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 50% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 120. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 60% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 121. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 70% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition. 122. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the molar average of n for PGA molecules in the composition is about 10000. 123. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein pH of the composition is about 4.5 to about 8.5. 124. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the composition is about 4.9 to about 6.9. 125. The composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the composition is about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.9. 126. The composition of any one of Embodiments 2-125, wherein the composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 10 to 50 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7. 127. The composition of any one of Embodiments 2-125, wherein the composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7. 128. The composition of any one of Embodiments 2-127, wherein the composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20 to 50 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6. 129. The composition of any one of Embodiments 2-127, wherein the composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 25-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6. 130. The composition of any one of Embodiments 2-125, wherein the composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7, and a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6. 131. A crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA 72 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 composition with a crosslinker, wherein: the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of PGA in the PGA composition is about 200 kDa or more; and the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 132. A crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 1 and 44-125, with a crosslinker, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition. 133. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 2-132, wherein the crosslinker is an epoxy-based crosslinker. 134. The crosslinked PGA composition of Embodiment 133, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 135. The crosslinked PGA composition of Embodiment 133, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 136. The crosslinked PGA composition of Embodiment 133, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. 137. The crosslinked PGA composition of Embodiment 133, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). 138. The crosslinked PGA composition of Embodiment 133, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). 139. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 2-138, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is a bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional epoxy crosslinker. 140. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 2-138, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. 141. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the epoxy- based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol 73 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. 142. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 133-141, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is EGDGE. 143. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 144. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition. 145. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. 146. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). 147. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). 148. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition has a particle size range of about 150 μm to about 850 μm. 149. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition has a particle size range of about 250 μm to about 850 μm. 150. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition has a particle size of about 250 μm, about 300 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 450 μm, about 500 μm, about 550 μm, about 600 μm, about 650 μm, about 700 μm, about 750 μm, about 800 μm, or about 850 μm. 151. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of Embodiments 131-150, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 10 to 50 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7. 152. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7. 153. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20 to 50 g / g when assessed 74 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 according to ISO 17190-6. 154. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 25-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6. 155. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7, and a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6. 156. A method of preparing a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments, the method comprising crosslinking a composition of any one of Embodiments 1 and 44-125 with a crosslinker. 157. The method of Embodiment 156, wherein the crosslinker is an epoxy-based crosslinker. 158. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 159. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. 160. The method of any one of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). 161. The method of any one of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). 162. The method of any one of Embodiments 157-161, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is a bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional epoxy crosslinker. 163. The method of any one of Embodiments 157-162, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. 164. The method of any one of Embodiments 157-162, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3- 75 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether. 165. The method of any one of Embodiments 157-162, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is EGDGE. 166. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 167. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition. 168. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight. 169. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%). 170. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%). 171. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising: (i) providing a PGA solution; and (ii) adjusting the pH of the PGA solution. 172. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.5 to about 8.5. 173. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.9 to about 6.9. 174. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.9 to about 6.3. 175. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.9 to about 6.0. 176. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.9 to about 5.8. 177. The method of Embodiment 171, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.9 to about 5.5. 178. The method any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to be about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.9. 179. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is 76 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 adjusted using alkali ionic bases. 180. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using LiOH, KOH, or NaOH. 181. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using KOH, or NaOH. 182. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using KOH. 183. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using NaOH. 184. The method of any one of Embodiments 171-183, comprising diafiltrating a γ-polyglutamic acid solution to provide the PGA solution. 185. The method of Embodiment 184, comprising diafiltrating an acidic γ-polyglutamic acid solution to provide the PGA solution. 186. The method of Embodiment 185, wherein the pH of the acidic γ-polyglutamic acid solution is about 3. 187. The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising: (i) drying a crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition; and (ii) grinding and sieving the crosslinked PGA composition to a desired particle size range. 188. The method of Embodiment 187, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition after grinding has a particle size range of about 150 μm to about 850 μm. 189. The method of Embodiment 187, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition after grinding has a particle size range of about 250 μm to about 850 μm. 190. The method of Embodiment 187, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition after grinding has a particle size of about 150 μm, about 200 μm, about 250 μm, about 300 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 450 μm, about 500 μm, about 550 μm, about 600 μm, about 650 μm, about 700 μm, about 750 μm, about 800 μm, or about 850 μm. 191. A superabsorbent polymer comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments. 192. An article comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments. 193. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a hygiene product. 194. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a diaper. 195. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises sanitary towel. 196. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a napkin. 77 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 197. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a wound covering. 198. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a personal care product. 199. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a female hygiene product. 200. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises an adult incontinence product. 201. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a menstrual product. 202. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a incontinence underwear. 203. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a tampon. 204. The article of Embodiment 192, wherein the article is or comprises a sanitary pad. 205. A composition or article of any one of the preceding Embodiments for engineering, industrial, food, or agricultural uses 206. A composition or article of any one of the preceding Embodiments for use as a rheology modifier. 207. A composition or article of any one of the preceding Embodiments for use as a superabsorbent polymer material. 208. A composition, article or method of any one of the preceding Embodiments for use in agriculture. 209. A composition, article or method of any one of the preceding Embodiments for use in horticulture. 210. A diaper comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding Embodiments. 211. A method, comprising contacting a composition, polymer or article of any one of the preceding Embodiments with a liquid. 212. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises water. 213. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises a biological fluid. 214. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises a body fluid. 215. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises blood. 216. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises urine. 217. The method of Embodiment 211, wherein the liquid is or comprises a wound discharge. EXEMPLIFICATION

[0177] Certain examples are provided below to illustrate certain provided technologies. Among other things, certain provided technologies demonstrate properties and characteristics for uses as SAPs.

[0178] Among other things, the present disclosure provides SAP technologies, e.g., polymers, compositions, and methods. Demonstrated herein are compositions and preparations demonstrating valuable properties and / or performances for various uses including as SAPs, and technologies (e.g., reagents such as crosslinkers, cations, etc., and conditions) for manufacturing such compositions and preparations. 78 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Example 1. Certain technologies for preparation of PGA-based superabsorbent polymers (SAP).

[0179] Among other things, the present disclosure provides technologies for preparing PGA and compositions thereof, which in some embodiments are utilized as SAP. Certain technologies are described below as examples.

[0180] In some embodiments, PGA is produced by a fermentation process, followed by acidification and several downstream purification processes to remove biomass and other impurities, and finally dried to a powder form. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of PGA may vary from 200 KDa to 2 MDa. In some embodiments, Mw of PGA is around 1 MDa. PGA may have carboxyl groups in acid forms, or it can be in its partially neutralized form where sodium salt forms of certain carboxy groups are present.

[0181] In some embodiments, PGA based superabsorbent polymer production comprises the following steps: (i) Dissolving PGA in water to prepare a PGA solution. PGA is a water-soluble polymer. Powder form of PGA can be dissolved in water from 10% - 80% by weight, in some embodiments, between 20% - 70% by weight of PGA; (ii) Crosslinking to form water-insoluble hydrogel polymers; (iii) Drying the hydrogel polymer, keeping the moisture content between 0-10%; and (iv) Grinding and sieving the crosslinked polymers to a desired size range of 150 μm – 850 μm, in some embodiments, between 250 μm – 850 μm.

[0182] In some embodiments, prepared PGA compositions are tested and evaluated using ISO methods.

[0183] For example, in a benchtop process, 200g of commercially acquired PGA (Mw: 1.1 MDa) was dissolved in 800 g water at room temperature and stirred using an overhead stirrer for an hour to prepare a 20 % PGA solution. The viscosity, pH, and conductivity of the PGA solution were measured. Subsequently, 350 g of the 20% PGA solution was transferred to a lidded vessel suitable for use with a centrifugal mixer. Then, 2.5% of the crosslinker by weight with respect to the PGA was added slowly to the PGA solution and mixed for 6 minutes at 1500 rpm in a centrifugal mixer (Thinky centrifugal mixer, model ARE-501). Following mixing, the solution was transferred to a flat tray and dried at 95 °C for 12 hours in a convection air oven. The dried sheet was then milled and sieved into a powder form comprising particle sizes between 150-850 μm. The powdered PGA material was then tested and evaluated for its SAP properties (e.g. AUL, FSC, and CRC). Example 2. Certain technologies for assessing molecular weight of PGA.

[0184] Molecular weight of PGA may be assessed using various technologies in accordance with the present disclosure. Certain technologies are described herein as examples. 79 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075

[0185] In some embodiments, molecular weight distribution of PGA was determined by HPLC using Size Exclusion chromatography (SEC) using UV and / or RI (Refractive index) detectors. In some embodiments, molecular weight distribution of PGA was determined by HPLC using SEC and RI detectors. In some embodiments, PGA Concentration Calibration Standard samples were prepared with 300 mg of γ- PGA sodium salt mixed into 50 mL of purified water, yielding a concentration of 6 g / L PGA. Samples were mixed until γ-PGA was completely dissolved. For more viscous γ-PGA samples, this may involve allowing the tubes to gently rotate overnight. Other PGA Concentration Calibration Standard samples were prepared through serial dilutions to obtain concentration standards of 6 g / L, 3 g / L, and 1 g / L. For HPLC-GPC analysis of PGA Concentration Calibration Standards, 10 μL of each sample was injected into a Shodex OHpak SB-806 HQ column. The column was held at 40 ºC, and a 0.05 M nitrate buffer was used as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.5 mL / min. Samples were detected using an RI Detector. For samples, obtained through fermentation or downstream purification processes (process samples), each γ-PGA sample was diluted 20-fold, passed through a 0.22 μm filter, and 10 μL of each sample was injected into a Shodex OHpak SB-806 HQ column. The column was held at 40 ºC, and a 0.05 M potassium nitrate buffer was used as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.5 mL / min. Samples were detected using an RI Detector. Concentrations of PGA from process samples were determined by comparing peak areas to a standard curve generated from PGA Concentration Calibration Standard samples. Molecular weights were determined as follows using Shimadzu Lab Solutions GPC software. First, a molecular weight calibration curve was constructed by running several monodisperse samples of the polymer Poly-ethylene Oxide (PEO) with known molecular weights and measuring their retention time. Graphically, a line of best fit for a 3rd order calibration curve equation for the PEO calibration (i.e. retention time vs molecular weight) was obtained. This calibration was then applied to γ-PGA samples run under the same conditions using Shimadzu Lab Solutions GPC software to obtain various molecular weight parameters reported herein for the γ-PGA samples. γ-PGA peaks corresponding to elution times up to ~20 mins were considered for this analysis. For example, PEO standards from ReadyCal-Kit PEO / PEG (Sigma-Aldrich, part no.02393) were utilized to construct molecular weight calibration curve (see, e.g., Figure 1A and Figure 1B). Mp [Da] values were used to build the calibration curve from one or more or all 10 PEO standards (Mp [Da] = 1,334,000, 1,200,000; 504,000; 220,000; 103,000; 40,100; 17,900; 6,200; 2,130; 601, 238.) PGA Concentration Calibration Standard samples at 6, 3, & 1 g / L PGA were utilized to perform additional calibration measurements (see, e.g., Figure 1C). In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides optionally crosslinked PGA preparations (e.g., γ-PGA preparations) comprising PGAs with observed molecular weights (Da) of about 10,000 to 20,000,000, 20,000 to 15,000,000, 20,000 to 10,000,000, 20,000 to 5,000,000, 20,000 to 2,000,000, 20,000 to 1,000,000, 30,000 to 10,000,000, 50,000 to 10,000,000, 300,000 to 2,000,000, 100,000 to 1,000,000, 200,000 to 700,000, 400,000 to 5,000,000, etc. In some embodiments, 80 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 molecular weights are Mp. In some embodiments, molecular weights are Mn. In some embodiments, molecular weights are Mw.

[0186] Those skilled in the art reading the present disclosure will appreciate that molecular weight can be measured using other technologies including those described herein, and different methodology may give different molecular weight numbers. In many embodiments, however, regardless of how molecular weight is measured, an increase in molecular weight can lead to higher viscosity, higher measured molecular weight, and various improved performance properties of γ-PGA absorbent polymers. Example 3. Certain technologies for preparation of crosslinked PGA.

[0187] Among other things, the present disclosure provides technologies for preparing crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, pendant carboxylic groups can react with a crosslinker or with a combination of crosslinkers to form water-insoluble polymers. Different types of crosslinker chemistries including amines, hydroxy, epoxy, haloalkanes, disulfides, oxazoline or groups can react with carboxy groups. In some embodiments, selection of crosslinkers is based on their chemical reactivities, specificity of functional group, solubility and other chemical properties that facilitate the crosslinking reactions. A crosslinking reaction can be a function of reactivity, time, and temperature, and provided technologies can utilizes various variants of crosslinking. In some embodiments, a crosslinkers are used from 0.5% - 10% by weight with respect to dry PGA. In some embodiments, cross linkers are used from 0.5% - 5% by weight with respect to dry PGA, preferably between the range of 2% and 4%, based on the type of the process used to make the SAP.

[0188] In some embodiments, an epoxy based crosslinker is utilized. Epoxy based crosslinkers have high reactivity with PGA’s pendant carboxylic groups, allowing the reaction to take place at room temperature, to produce an ester bond. An epoxy-based crosslinker can be bi-, tri-, tetra-functional or multifunctional epoxy crosslinker (see, e.g., Table 2). The crosslinker must be soluble or miscible with water for the intended reaction and application. The crosslinking can take place between 25 °C – 120 °C, and duration can be 5h – 13h depending on the process adopted. Table 2. Certain useful crosslinkers. Crosslinkers Crosslinker Chemistry81 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Crosslinkers Crosslinker Chemistry 3-Glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane Monofunctional epoxy [01Without pH adjustment – preparation of control PGA samples

[0190] To prepare a 20 wt% solution, 200 g samples of PGA (Mw: 1.1 MDa) were dissolved in 800 g water at room temperature using an overhead stirrer with a stirring shaft with 6-hole paddle that generates a tangential flow with reduced turbulence and gentle mixing. The mixture was stirred until the powder went into solution, approximately an hour. The viscosity, pH, and conductivity of the 20 wt% solution were measured. After dissolution, 350 g of the above PGA (20%) solution was transferred to a container suitable for use with a centrifugal mixer. Subsequently, 2.5% w / w of crosslinker with respect to PGA, EGDGE, for example, was added slowly to the 20 wt% PGA solution. The resulting mixture was mixed using a centrifugal mixer (Thinky centrifugal mixer, Model: ARE-501) for six minutes at 1500 rpm. Following mixing, the solution was transferred to a flat tray and dried at 95 °C for 12 hours in a convection air oven. The dried hydrogel sheet was then milled and sieved into a powder form comprising particle sizes between 150-850 μm. The powdered PGA material was then tested and evaluated for its SAP properties (e.g. AUL, FSC, CRC). With pH adjustment – preparation of PGA salt samples

[0191] To prepare a 20 wt% solution, 400 g samples of PGA (Mw: 1.1 MDa) were dissolved in 1600 g water at room temperature using an overhead stirrer with a stirring shaft with 6-hole paddle that generates a tangential flow with reduced turbulence and gentle mixing. The mixture was stirred until the powder went into solution, approximately an hour. The viscosity, pH, and conductivity of the 20 wt% solution were measured. After dissolution, the pH of the 20% PGA solution was adjusted using 4N NaOH or 4N KOH solutions. The pH of different PGA samples was adjusted to different pH values ranging from 5.8 to 8.5. Subsequently, 350 g of the above pH adjusted PGA (20%) solutions were transferred to containers suitable for use with a centrifugal mixer. Subsequently, 2.5% w / w of crosslinker with respect to PGA, EGDGE, for example, was added slowly to the 20 wt% PGA solution. The resulting mixture was mixed a centrifugal mixer (Thinky centrifugal mixer, Model: ARE-501) for six minutes at 1500 rpm. Following mixing, the solution was transferred to a flat tray and dried at 95 °C for 12 hours in a convection air oven. The dried hydrogel sheet was then milled and sieved into a powder form comprising particle sizes between 150-850 82 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 μm. The powdered PGA material was then tested and evaluated for its SAP properties (e.g. AUL, FSC, CRC). Example 4: Determination of salt concentrations.

[0192] Various technologies can be utilized to determine ion and / or elemental levels in a composition in accordance with the present disclosure. Certain technologies are described below as examples. Photometric determination of Potassium (K+)

[0193] In some embodiments, concentrations of potassium ions (K+) were photometrically determined, e.g., using an automated GalleryTManalyzer from Thermo ScientificTM. Potassium ions in the homogenous liquid sample of PGA-based SAPs react with tetraphenylborate (TPB; Reagent 1 (R1), Thermo Scientific Ref.984307) to give a stable precipitate, which is in homogenous suspension due to pH conditions and the presence of stabilizers. The absorbance of the suspension is measured at 540 nm. An increase in absorbance at 540 nm is directly proportional to the concentration of potassium in the sample. A calibration curve was prepared using known concentrations of potassium chloride solutions in deionized water. ICP-MS determination of Sodium (Na+)

[0194] In some embodiments, concentrations of sodium ion (Na+) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Example 5: Provided technologies can provide PGA compositions with improved properties.

[0195] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides technologies for modulating various properties of crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, provided technologies comprise crosslinking PGA at certain pH. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution (20% - 70%) has an effect on crosslinking efficiency and absorbance behaviors of the SAPs. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.0 to 9.0. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.0 to 8.5. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.0 to 7.5. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.0 to 7.0. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.5 to 6.0. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.6 to 5.9. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.7 to 5.8. In some embodiments, the pH of the aqueous PGA solution is 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, or 6.0. In some embodiments, the pH of the aqueous PGA solution is 5.5. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.6. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.7. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.8. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is 5.9. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution is adjusted using 4N NaOH solution. Certain results are presented in Table 3. AUL was performed under the load of 0.7 psi in 0.9% saline water. FSC and CRC was performed in 0.9% saline water. All SAP data (AUL, FSC, and CRC) data are normalized with respect to moisture content (%). With increasing pH to a certain range, it was observed 83 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 that AUL (Absorption Under Load, g / g) gradually decreases and CRC (Centrifuge Retention Capacity, g / g) increases. Table 3. Certain data for various crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions. Sample PGA (1.1M), (TCI), % pH Moisture, % AUL, g / g FSC, g / g CRC, g / g % in water C t l 30% 25% 577 785 1469±028 3433±348 2579±081 13 00 57 68

[0196] Among other things, the present disclosure demonstrates that cations can impact crosslinking and / or properties of crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for modulating properties of crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof, comprising selectively using or enriching certain cations (e.g., Na+) in PGA composition for crosslinking. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for modulating properties of crosslinked PGA and compositions thereof, comprising selectively using or enriching certain cations (e.g., Na+) in crosslinked PGA composition. Certain useful technologies are described below as examples.

[0197] In some embodiments, pH of aqueous PGA solutions (e.g., 20% - 70%) were adjusted using each of KOH, NaOH, and ammonia, which produced differential effects on crosslinking efficiency and / or properties and / or absorbance behaviors of the resulting crosslinked PGA SAPs. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous PGA solution was adjusted using KOH, producing K+counterion profiles of an SAP material. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous solution is adjusted using NaOH, producing Na+counterion profiles of a SAP material. In some embodiments, pH of an aqueous solution is adjusted using ammonia, producing NH4+counterion profiles of a SAP material. Figures 2A-2C show that types of counterions can impact SAP properties such as AUL, CRC, and FSC. For example, Figure 2A shows that a sodium ion rich SAP product has a higher AUL (0.7 psi) than its potassium ion-rich counterpart; Figure 2B shows that a sodium ion-rich SAP samples has a higher CRC than its potassium ion-rich counterpart; and Figure 2C shows that a sodium ion rich SAP samples has a higher FSC than its potassium ion-rich counterpart. In some embodiments, sodium counterion can provide improved SAP properties, e.g., improved combination of AUL (e.g., 0.7 psi) and CRC. Certain results are also presented in Tables 4 and 5 (AUL 0.7 psi). Molecular weights of the PGA were determined using the procedure outlined above. Table 4. Certain data for various crosslinked (2.0% crosslinker) γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions. PGA: Mw: 265-275 kDa. 84 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Sample PGA EGDGE Alkali pH Moisture, AUL, g / g FSC, g / g CRC, g / g % in water (TCI), % used % K+rich 30% 20% KOH 502 630 217 ± 09 304 ± 02 183 ± 0.1 .3 ons.PGA: Mw: 415-430 kDa. Sample PGA EGDGE Alkali pH Moisture, AUL, g / g FSC, g / g CRC, g / g % in water (TCI), % used % + 3 .3 .8

[0198] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for modulating absorbent structures, properties, performances, functions, etc., of γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA) compositions, comprising modulating cation profiles and / or crosslinking (e.g., crosslinker dosage, type, etc.). In some embodiments, the present disclosure demonstrates that adjusting pH of diafiltered PGA using bases, e.g., monovalent bases such as NaOH, KOH, etc., can provide PGA compositions with enriched counterion, e.g., Na⁺ or K⁺, levels. In some embodiments, diafiltered PGA is prepared by acidifying a PGA (e.g., Mw about 0.5 MDa) composition to pH of approximately 3 (which, among other things, can provide protonation of glutamate groups), and filtering the acidified PGA composition through a diafiltration membrane. In some embodiments, diafiltration can remove various components, e.g., low-molecular weight impurities, salts comprising various ions (including Na+and K+ions), byproducts, and other small molecules. Diafiltered PGA compositions are subsequently neutralized using either NaOH or KOH to enrich the counterion in the compositions. As demonstrated herein, in some embodiments, counterions can influence crosslinking kinetics and fluid absorption characteristics of the resulting crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid composition. Structures, properties, performances, functions, etc. of crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid compositions can be further modulated by, e.g., varying the loading of crosslinkers such as ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE).

[0199] To prepare certain preparations, aqueous diafiltered PGA solutions (e.g., 16% w / w) were pH- adjusted to values ranging from pH 5.0 to 6.3 using either NaOH or KOH after diafiltration. The adjusted solutions were subsequently crosslinked with 2.5 wt% EGDGE, followed by drying, and grinding and sieving to obtain desired particle sizes (e.g., about 150 μm to about 850 μm).

[0200] Certain data from various preparations are presented in Table 6 and Figures 3A-3C as examples. 85 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 Table 6: Certain data for various crosslinked (2.5% crosslinker) γ-polyglutamic acid polymer compositions. PGA: Mw: 473-484 kDa. Sample PGA EGDGE Alkali pH Moisture, AUL, g / g FSC, g / g CRC, g / g % in water (TCI), % % 0721310956021404092454274

[0201] As can be seen from the data, Na⁺-rich SAPs (e.g., NaOH-adjusted) yielded can provide higher AUL, FSC, and / or CRC values compared to K⁺-rich SAPs (e.g., KOH-adjusted) across pH 5.0–5.8. For example, at pH 5.5, Na⁺-rich SAPs demonstrated AUL of 21 g / g, FSC of up to 40.5 g / g, and CRC of 26.7 86 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 g / g, which the K⁺-rich SAPs demonstrated AUL of 17.7 g / g, FSC of 27.3 g / g and CRC of 16.3 g / g under the same pH conditions. Without being bound to any particular theory, the improved fluid update characteristics indicate that, in some cases, smaller hydrated Na⁺ ions may contribute to greater electrostatic repulsion within polymer matrixes, and / or expand void volume and enhancing fluid uptake. At higher pH (e.g., pH of 6.3), NaOH-treated samples exhibited poor crosslinking and / or phase instability, which may lead to collapse or deformation of crosslinked network, and yielded low AUL and CRC (1–3 g / g), whereas KOH-treated samples yielded AUL of 8 g / g and CRC of 35 g / g. Among other things, the present disclosure provides the insight that pH, ionic profile, and crosslinking kinetics may be utilized to modulate polymer network formation and / or hydration behavior.

[0202] In some embodiments, at higher / near neutral pH (>6.0), K+ion enrichment can provide better buffering capabilities against over-ionization compared to Na+ion enrichment. Without being bound to any particular theory, the larger size and weaker field strength of K⁺ ions may reduce local overcharging and enable a looser, more swellable network that remains intact. In some embodiments, potassium salts have slightly higher solubility which may allow better distribution of crosslinker or reduced phase separation during gelation. In some embodiments, for formulations where processing near-neutral pH is desired or necessary, K⁺-rich systems might offer a stability advantage, as K⁺-rich environments may mitigate excessive ionization stress within the PGA networks at elevated pH values, which may enable greater network stability and maintaining absorption properties in comparison to Na⁺-rich environments.

[0203] Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis revealed that at pH 5.5, the Na⁺ / K⁺ ratio in NaOH- adjusted SAPs was about 6.9, compared to about 0.12 in KOH-treated composition. It was observed that in various cases, ionic ratios were tracked with swelling, retention, and other properties and performances, etc. In some embodiments, utilizing sodium ion as the dominant cation can improve SAP functionality of γ- polyglutamic acid compositions. Among other things, the Examples demonstrate that deliberate cation enrichment, optionally with crosslinker adjustment, can be utilized to improve properties, functions, performances, etc. of γ-polyglutamic acid compositions. EQUIVALENTS

[0204] It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various alterations, modifications, and improvements to the provided technologies will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of provided technologies including claimed technologies and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of provided technologies including claimed technologies. The foregoing description and drawing are by way of example.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will appreciate typical standards of deviation or error attributable to values obtained in assays or other processes described herein. Various publications, websites and other 87 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 reference materials referenced herein to describe the background of provided technologies or to provide additional detail regarding its practice are each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; in the case of any conflict, the present disclosure will control. 88 of 99 12756105v1

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 CLAIMS 1. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts.

2. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a sodium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a potassium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked.

3. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about 100 ppm or more, about 80000 ppm or more, and / or about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm.

4. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a potassium salt form of PGA, optionally wherein the level of K+ in the composition is at least about 100 ppm, and / or optionally wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100- 75000 ppm.

5. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of Na+ to K+ in the composition is about or at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100.

6. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-10.

7. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-10.

8. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 5.

5. 89 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 9. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts.

10. A polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, wherein the composition comprises: a potassium salt form of PGA; optionally one or more other salt forms of PGA (e.g., a sodium salt form of PGA); and optionally one or more compounds selected from: carbohydrates; amino acids; carboxylates; and metal ion salts; wherein the PGA is crosslinked.

11. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of K+ in the composition is about 100 ppm or more, about 80000 ppm or more, and / or about or no more than about 100-100000 ppm.

12. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a sodium salt form of PGA, optionally he level of Na+ in the composition is at least about 100 ppm, and / or optionally wherein the level of Na+ in the composition is about or no more than about 100-75000 ppm.

13. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of K+ to Na+ in the composition is about or at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100.

14. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of K+ to monomeric glutamic acid (GA) units in the composition is about or at least about 0.01-10.

15. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of Na+ to all PGA in the composition is about or no more than about 0.01-10.

16. The composition of any one of claims 9-Error! Reference source not found., wherein pH of the composition is about or no more than about 6.

3.

17. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PGA is polymerized in a biosynthetic process.

18. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PGA is polymerized in a cell, 90 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 organism, microbe, or bacteria, or wherein the PGA is polymerized in bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, B. anthracis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringensis, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. mojavensis, B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Natrialba aegyptiaca, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Fusobacterium nucleate.

19. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PGA is prepared from a fermentation process.

20. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises one or more components from the fermentation process.

21. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises one or more carbohydrates.

22. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises glucose.

23. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of glucose is about or no more than about 0.1-1.5 g / L, and / or wherein the molar ratio of glucose to monomeric GA units is about or no more than about 0.0001 to 0.

1.

24. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises one or more amino acids.

25. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises one or more carboxylates.

26. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of each carboxylate is independently about or no more than about 0.01-1 g / L, and / or wherein the molar ratio of each carboxylate to monomeric GA units is independently about or no more than about is 0.0001 to 0.

1.

27. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comprises one or more other metal ions.

28. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of each of the one or more metal ions is independently about or no more than about 5-100000 ppm, and / or wherein the molar ratio of each metal ion to monomeric GA units is independently about or no than about 0.01-10.

29. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises sulfate and phosphate (which can be monobasic, dibasic or tribasic).

30. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of sulfate is about or no more than about 10-10000 ppm, and / or wherein the molar ratio of sulfur to monomeric GA units is about or no more than about 0.0001-0.

5.

31. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the level of phosphate is about or no more than about 10-10000 ppm, and / or wherein the molar ratio of phosphorous to monomeric GA units is 91 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about or no more than about 0.0001-0.

5.

32. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PGA has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 1000-5,000,000 Da, about 10,000-2,000,000 Da, or about 200,000 Da or more.

33. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa.

34. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein PGA has an Mw of about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa, or wherein PGA has an Mw of about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa.

35. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PGA has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 1000-5,000,000 Da, about 10,000-2,000,000 Da, or about 200,000 Da or more.

36. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 100,000 Da, about 150,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 250,000 Da, about 300,000 Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.75 MDa, or about 2 MDa.

37. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein PGA has an Mn of about 1 MDa up to about 1.7 MDa, or wherein PGA has an Mn of about 1 MDa, about 1.1 MDa, about 1.2 MDa, about 1.3 MDa, about 1.4 MDa, about 1.5 MDa, about 1.6 MDa, or about 1.7 MDa.

38. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in a number of PGA chain is independently n, wherein n is 10 or more.

39. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least about 5% (mol%) up to about 95% of PGA molecules in the composition independently comprise 1000 or more glutamic acid monomeric units.

40. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each PGA chain is independently of the structure: −[NH−CH(COOH)CH2CH2CO]n−, or a salt form thereof, wherein each n is the number of the units.

41. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in each PGA chain is about or at least about 10, or wherein the number of monomeric glutamic acid units in each PGA chain is about or at least about 1000.

42. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is enriched from 92 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 PGA molecules for which n is about 2000 to about 20000, about 2000 to about 15000, or about 2000 to about 10000.

43. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000.

44. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein for about or at least about 30% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000 to about 10000, 15000 or 20000.

45. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein for about or at least about 30%-80% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition, n is independently about or at least about 2000-20000, about or at least about 2000-15000, about or at least about 2000-10000, or about or at least about 5000-10000.

46. The composition of any one of claims 43-45, wherein the percentage is about or at least about 40%, about or at least about 50%, about or at least about 60%, about or at least about 70%, or about or at least about 80%.

47. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein n is at least about 2000 for at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition.

48. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein n is about 2000 to about 1000 for at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% (mol%) of PGA molecules in the composition.

49. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar average of n for PGA molecules in the composition is about 10000.

50. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein pH of the composition is about 4.5 to about 8.5, about 4.9 to about 6.9, or about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.

9.

51. The composition of any one of claims 2-50, wherein the composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 10 to 50 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7.

52. The composition of any one of claims 2-50, wherein the composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7.

53. The composition of any one of claims 2-52, wherein the composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20 to 50 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

54. The composition of any one of claims 2-52, wherein the composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 25-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

55. The composition of any one of claims 2-50, wherein the composition has an absorption under load 93 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7, and a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

56. A crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition with a crosslinker, wherein: the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of PGA in the PGA composition is about 200 kDa or more; and the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition.

57. A crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition, prepared by crosslinking PGA in a PGA composition of any one of claims 1 and 17-50, with a crosslinker, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% – about 10% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition.

58. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of claims 2-57, wherein the crosslinker is an epoxy- based crosslinker.

59. The crosslinked PGA composition of claim 58, wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition, or wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight, or wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%), or wherein the amount of the epoxy-based crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%).

60. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of claims 2-59, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is a bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional epoxy crosslinker.

61. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of claims 2-59, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, or wherein the epoxy- based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether.

62. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of claims 58-61, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker 94 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 is EGDGE.

63. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition, or wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the crosslinker and PGA in the composition, or wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight.

64. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%), or wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%).

65. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition has a particle size range of about 150 μm to about 850 μm, about 250 μm to about 850 μm, about 250 μm, about 300 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 450 μm, about 500 μm, about 550 μm, about 600 μm, about 650 μm, about 700 μm, about 750 μm, about 800 μm, or about 850 μm.

66. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of claims 56-65, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 10 to 50 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7.

67. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7.

68. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinked composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20 to 50 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

69. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinked composition has a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 25-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

70. The crosslinked PGA composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinked composition has an absorption under load (AUL) of about 15 to 40 g / g under 0.7 psi when assessed according to ISO 17190-7, and a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) of about 20-40 g / g when assessed according to ISO 17190-6.

71. A method of preparing a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising crosslinking a composition of any one of claims 1 and 17-50 with a crosslinker. 95 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the crosslinker is an epoxy-based crosslinker.

73. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition.

74. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight, or wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%), or wherein the amount of the crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%).

75. The method of any one of claims 72-74, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is a bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, or multifunctional epoxy crosslinker.

76. The method of any one of claims 72-75, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, 1,4- butanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, or wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is selected from ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE), propylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PGDGE), polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE), sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SorbGE), neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, (3- glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether.

77. The method of any one of claims 72-75, wherein the epoxy-based crosslinker is EGDGE.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition, or wherein the amount of the EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% up to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the PGA in the composition, or wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 0.5% (w / w%), about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, or about 5% by weight, or wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0% up to about 3.0% (w / w%), or wherein the amount of EGDGE crosslinker is about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% (w / w%).

79. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: (i) providing a PGA solution; and (ii) adjusting the pH of the PGA solution.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted to about 4.5 to about 8.5, 96 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 about 4.9 to about 6.9, about 4.9 to about 6.3, about 4.9 to about 6.0, about 4.9 to about 5.8, or about 4.9 to about 5.5, or about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, or about 6.

9.

81. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using alkali ionic bases.

82. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using LiOH, KOH, or NaOH.

83. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using KOH.

84. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the PGA solution is adjusted using NaOH.

85. The method of any one of claims 79-84, comprising diafiltrating a γ-polyglutamic acid solution to provide the PGA solution.

86. The method of claim 85, comprising diafiltrating an acidic γ-polyglutamic acid solution to provide the PGA solution.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein the pH of the acidic γ-polyglutamic acid solution is about 3.

88. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: (i) drying a crosslinked γ-polyglutamic acid polymer composition; and (ii) grinding and sieving the crosslinked PGA composition to a desired particle size range.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the crosslinked PGA composition after grinding has a particle size range of about 150 μm to about 850 μm, or about 250 μm to about 850 μm, or has a particle size of about 150 μm, about 200 μm, 250 μm, about 300 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 450 μm, about 500 μm, about 550 μm, about 600 μm, about 650 μm, about 700 μm, about 750 μm, about 800 μm, or about 850 μm.

90. A superabsorbent polymer comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding claims.

91. An article comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the preceding claims.

92. The article of claim 91, wherein the article is or comprises a hygiene product, diaper, sanitary towel, napkin, wound covering, a personal care product, an adult incontinence product, a menstrual product, a incontinence underwear, a tampon, or a sanitary pad, or is for engineering, industrial, food, agricultural or horticultural use, or is for use as a rheology modifier or a superabsorbant polymer material.

93. A diaper comprising a crosslinked polyglutamic acid (PGA) composition of any one of the 97 of 99 12756105v1Attorney Docket No.: 2013662-0075 preceding claims.

94. A method, comprising contacting a composition, polymer or article of any one of the preceding claims with a liquid.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the liquid is or comprises water, a biological fluid, a body fluid, blood, urine, or wound discharge.

96. A composition, method, polymer, article, diaper, or method of any one of Embodiments 1-217. 98 of 99 12756105v1

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