Pullulan is an extracellular polysaccharide polymer produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans through a natural process of fermentation. Structurally, it is composed of maltotriose units, and each of these units has three glucose units linked through α-1,4 glycosidic linkages. The consecutive maltotriose units in the structure are connected by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds with each other.

APPLICATIONS

Cosmetics

In cosmetic formulations, pullulan is usually used as an additive or thickener to provide smoothness for its stable viscous nature in a wide range of heat, pH and in most metal ion conditions. Pullulan has been widely used in lotion, cream, shampoo, mascara cream, lip cream, facial mask etc.

Food

The unique properties of pullulan allow pullulan in food supplements as non-polluting wrapping material, low calory dietary fibers, food decoration adhesive, texture enhancer etc. it’s already been used in manufacture of soft candies, oral care strips, bakery etc.

Biochemical applications

Due to its noncarcinogenic, nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, nonmutagenic and biodegradable properties, pullulan is also evaluated in biomedical field.

Drug-delivery system

As an excellent film-former, pullulan can form a film in distinct structures such as microspheres, nanoparticles, or nanogels which allow it to deliver drugs.

Gene-delivery systems

Similarly to its work in drug delivery, the derivatives of pullulan can be carriers for gene or DNA plasmid to organs or cancer cells.

Cell/tissue engineering

Antibacterial release for wound-dressing application

Anticancer

Bioimaging system

Environmental application