‌Pullulan‌ is an extracellular water-soluble viscous polysaccharide produced by Aureobasidium pullulans fermentation, structurally similar to ‌dextran‌ and ‌xanthan gum‌. It exhibits two key characteristics: ‌structural elasticity‌ and ‌high solubility.
‌Appearance: White powder
Molecular Formula‌:(C37H62O30)n; ‌Average Molecular Weight‌:
about 200,000 (composed of ~480 maltotriose units)
Solubility: easily soluble in water, dissolution faster than carboxymethyl cellulose, the solution is neutral, non-ionization, non-gelatin‌.
‌Stability‌: Viscosity is minimally affected by temperature and pH, but prolonged heating in strong acids (pH ‌Film-forming property‌: Forms colorless, transparent, and strong films with excellent gas barrier and oil resistance, ideal for food packaging and surface coatings
Lubricity and adhesion: The aqueous solution has the characteristics of Newtonian fluid, low viscosity but good lubricity; Strong adhesive force.
Decomposeability: Difficult to be broken down by digestive enzymes, suitable for the development of low calorie foods.
‌Application of pullulan‌:
With its unique structure and properties, pullulan has broad applications in food, petroleum, and chemical industries, and is approved as one of four new food additives for use as a coating agent or thickener in candies, chocolate coatings, films, seasonings, and fruit/vegetable juice beverages.
Skincare application‌: Ideal for masks and serums due to its water-soluble nature, allowing easy rinsing of products containing it .
With high adhesion, low viscosity, and superior dispersion stability, pullulan effectively delivers active ingredients to the skin via hand-application, spray, or roll-on methods.
Pullulan's excellent foam retention in water creates a smooth texture, ideal for skincare, haircare, and cleansing products.