Abstract
Background: Pullulan is a neutral exopolysaccharide produced aerobically by a yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. The distinct linkage of α (1 → 4) & α (1→ 6) in pullulan impart its nonimmunogenic, non-mutagenic and non-cancerous traits. These characteristics are being exploited in food, health care, pharmacy, lithography, cosmetics. During the last four decades, pullulan has had a breakthrough in diverse fields including gene delivery, wound healing, nano-technology, diagnostics and also in human reproductive health.
Objective: The present review focused on food grade pullulan, its derivatives, and their applications. Methods: Deviations in biosynthesis and downstream processing of food grade pullulan have been reviewed in detail.
Results: Pullulan can be used for a variety of applications. The food applications of pullulan powder and film have been thoroughly validated. Pullulan film, being carbon neutral, sustainable, biodegradable and palatable, provides a superior substitute to conventional petrochemical polythene films. Pullulan films could be modified to add a variety of special features. These formulations have clearly demonstrated the significance of pullulan, and its potential for more applications.
Keywords: Aureobasidium pullulans, pullulan, pullulanase, food grade, exopolysaccharide, fungus.
Graphical Abstract
Related Journals
Related Books
Industrial Applications of Soil Microbes
Industrial Applications of Soil Microbes
Algal Biotechnology for Fuel Applications
Biopolymers Towards Green and Sustainable Development
Terpenoids: Recent Advances in Extraction, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Environmental Microbiology: Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Applications
Biomarkers in Medicine
Industrial Applications of Soil Microbes
Recent Advances in Biotechnology
Sustainable Utilization of Fungi in Agriculture and Industry
34
4