CAS 9057-02-7 Pullulan Powder Film-former for Edible Films and Coatings

CAS 9057-02-7 Pullulan Film-former Edible Films And Coatings Pullulan Powder

1. Description

Pullulan is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide polymer produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is composed of repeating units of maltotriose, a trisaccharide made from three glucose molecules connected by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. These maltotriose units are themselves linked together by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds.

This unique linkage pattern gives pullulan its distinctive properties: it is an excellent film-former, is highly soluble in water, and is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. It is considered an edible polymer and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

2. Specification 

3. Key Features & Properties

Pullulan is valued for its unique combination of functional properties:

• Excellent Film-Former: Forms thin, transparent, and oxygen-impermeable films that are oil-resistant and biodegradable.
• Odorless & Tasteless: Does not alter the flavor, aroma, or appearance of the products it's used in.
• High Water Solubility: Dissolves quickly in cold or hot water without forming gels, unlike many other hydrocolloids.
• Low Oxygen Permeability: Films created from pullulan are exceptional barriers to oxygen, helping to prevent oxidation and spoilage of sensitive products.
• Non-Toxic & Edible: Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved as a food additive in many countries (E Number: E1204).
• Adhesive Properties: Exhibits strong adhesive qualities, useful for binding applications.
• Biodegradable: Derived from a natural fermentation process and readily biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.

4. Applications

Pullulan's unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Food Industry:

• Edible Films & Coatings: Used to create protective, oxygen-barrier coatings for fruits, nuts, meats, confectionery, and instant food powders.
• Dietary Fiber: Used as a soluble dietary fiber in health foods and beverages.
• Food Preservative: The oxygen barrier property extends the shelf life of packaged foods.
• Thickener & Stabilizer: Used in sauces, dressings, and low-viscosity beverages.
• Foaming Agent: Helps stabilize foam in products like beer and whipped toppings.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Capsule Manufacturing: Used to make vegetarian (non-animal) hard capsules and softgel capsules as an alternative to gelatin.
• Tablet Binder & Coating: Acts as a binder in tablet formulations and provides a smooth, elegant film coating.
• Drug Delivery: Investigated for use in controlled-release drug delivery systems, microparticles, and nanoparticles due to its biodegradability.

Cosmetic & Personal Care:

• Film-Former: Used in hair sprays, mascara, and face masks to form flexible, non-sticky films that are easily washed off with water.
• Binder: In pressed powders, eyeliners, and other makeup products.
• Thickener: In lotions, creams, and toothpaste.

Industrial Applications:

• Manufacture of Oral Hygiene Products (e.g., breath strips).
• Water-Soluble Pouches for detergents and agrochemicals.
• Tobacco Industry: As a binder for reconstituted tobacco leaf.

5. Storage & Handling

To maintain its quality and functionality, pullulan should be stored and handled correctly:

• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. The ideal storage temperature is below 25°C (77°F).
• Moisture Sensitivity: Pullulan is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use to prevent caking and degradation.
• Shelf Life: Typically, pullulan powder has a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored in its original, unopened packaging under the recommended conditions.
• Handling: Use standard good manufacturing practices. While non-toxic, avoid creating excessive dust. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like a dust mask and safety glasses if handling in a dusty environment.