Pullulan
Pullulan is a natural polysaccharide polymer produced by the fermentation of starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a water-soluble, tasteless, and odorless biopolymer widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its excellent film-forming, adhesive, and oxygen barrier properties. Pullulan is biodegradable, non-toxic, and approved for use in various applications requiring edible and biodegradable films.
Primary Uses
- Food Industry
- Used as an edible film and coating agent to improve shelf life and freshness of food products.
- Acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in confectionery, bakery, and beverage formulations.
- Utilized in the manufacture of breath freshener strips and oral dissolvable films.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Employed in film coating of tablets and capsules for controlled release and improved stability.
- Used as a carrier in oral thin films and drug delivery systems.
- Cosmetics
- Incorporated in skincare products as a film-former and moisturizer enhancer.
Secondary Uses
- Packaging Industry
- Utilized in biodegradable packaging films as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastics.
- Agriculture
- Applied in seed coatings and controlled-release formulations for agrochemicals.
- Biomedical Applications
Investigated for wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and other medical uses due to its biocompatibility.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): (1→4)-α-D-Glucan
- Common/Trade Name: Pullulan
- CAS Number: 9057-02-7
- HS Code: 3913.90
- Synonyms: Polysaccharide polymer; edible film-forming agent
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Powder or flakes
- Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in organic solvents
- Density: Approximately 1.3 g/cm³ (dry powder)
- Viscosity: Depends on molecular weight and concentration
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally non-hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; biocompatible and non-irritant
- Exposure Limits: Not established; handle as per good industrial hygiene
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and contaminants
- Container Type: Sealed bags, drums, or containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months depending on storage conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use protective masks and gloves if dusty
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade standards such as FDA GRAS status and EFSA approval
- Meets pharmaceutical excipient regulatory requirements
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under natural conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
- Bioaccumulation: Not significant
- PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, and eye protection recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling dust
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical advice if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Generally safe; seek medical help if discomfort occurs
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible under fire conditions
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Use protective equipment and avoid inhaling combustion fumes
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and other organic combustion products
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