Pullulan

Pullulan (CAS 9057-02-7), also designated E1204 in food applications, is a naturally fermented polysaccharide produced from starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans.

Where is Pullulan used?

• Food: film-former, binder and moisture-retention agent; coating for confectionery, nuts and snacks.
• Pharmaceutical: film-former, binder and moisture-retention agent; primary material for thin, rapidly dissolving oral strips and hard capsule shells as a gelatin alternative.
• Personal care: film-former, binder and moisture-retention agent; tightening, skin-smoothing film in serums and face masks.
• It extends shelf life by forming an oxygen-barrier film that reduces oxidative degradation.
• Used to make capsules for dietary supplements.
• Pharmaceutical grade is used as a high-purity binder for oxygen-resistant capsules, tablet coatings, and pharmaceutical encapsulations in nutraceutical supplements.
• Encapsulating omega-3 and fish oils in pullulan shells slows rancidity considerably.
• Pullulan capsules are primarily suitable for dry fillings such as powders and granules.

Good to know: Commercially recognized grades include PF 10, PF 20, and PF 30, which differ primarily in molecular weight and viscosity profile. Viscosity is a key selection criterion for determining film thickness and dissolution rate.

Formulation notes

• Compatible with high-speed capsule filling machines, unlike some other capsule types.
• For moisture barrier, HPMC is best, followed by pullulan, then gelatin.

Typical specification

• Offered in food grade.
• Highly compatible with other hydrocolloids and raw materials.
• Dissolves in both hot and cold water to form stable, low-viscosity solutions without gelling.
• Capsules are available in standard sizes from 000 to 5.

Regulatory status

• Has been extensively studied and classified as safe by authorities such as the FDA, EFSA and JECFA.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place and are less moisture-sensitive than gelatin but still hygroscopic in very humid conditions.
• Filled capsules are recommended to be blister-packed with desiccants for high-humidity environments.

Frequently asked questions about Pullulan

What film properties does pullulan offer for formulation?

It forms strong, transparent films at low concentrations, and is non-hygroscopic, water-soluble, and has relatively low viscosity compared to other polysaccharides.

How does the oxygen barrier of pullulan capsules compare to other capsule types?

Pullulan capsules provide an oxygen barrier superior to gelatin or HPMC capsules.

Which active ingredients are suitable for pullulan encapsulation?

Plant extracts and nutraceuticals such as turmeric, green tea catechins, and curcuminoids benefit from pullulan's low cross-linking and neutral taste.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.