Pullulan

Pullulan

Pullulan is a polysaccharide polymer produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a water-soluble, neutral, and linear glucan that is non-toxic and edible. Pullulan is used in various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic, due to its unique properties such as film-forming ability, oxygen impermeability, and resistance to oil and greases.

Production

Pullulan is produced through the fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans on a substrate containing carbon and nitrogen sources. The fungus secretes an extracellular enzyme, pullulanase, which converts the starch in the substrate into pullulan. The pullulan is then harvested, purified, and dried to obtain the final product.

Properties

Pullulan is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is highly soluble in water. It forms a clear, glossy film when dissolved in water, which is resistant to oils and greases. This makes it an excellent film-forming agent for various applications. Pullulan is also non-toxic and edible, making it safe for use in food and pharmaceutical products.

Applications

Pullulan has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. In the food industry, it is used as a film-forming agent for food coatings, edible films, and capsules. It is also used as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in various food products. In the pharmaceutical industry, pullulan is used in the production of drug delivery systems, such as tablets and capsules. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

Health Benefits

Pullulan has several health benefits. It is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also has prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Additionally, pullulan has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against various diseases.

See Also

• Polysaccharide
• Aureobasidium pullulans
• Edible film
• Prebiotic (nutrition)