According to GB 28402-2012 National Standard for Food Safety Food Additives Pullulan polysaccharide: Pullulan polysaccharide is a food additive made from pure culture fermentation of carbohydrates by germinating short-stemmed mold (Aureobasidium pullulans) after processing.

Pullulan polysaccharide is a special microbial polysaccharide discovered by scientists in 1938. Pullulan polysaccharide has strong film-forming, gas-blocking, plasticity and viscosity, and is easily soluble in water, non-toxic, harmless, colorless and tasteless.

As early as in 2006, China’s Ministry of Health issued an announcement, recognizing Pullulan polysaccharide as one of the four new food additives, which can be used as a filming agent and thickener in confectionery, chocolate coating, film, compound flavoring and fruit and vegetable juice drinks.

Properties of Pullulan polysaccharide

1. Non-toxicity, safety
According to the results of acute, subacute and chronic toxicity test and mutagenicity test of Pullulan polysaccharide, even if the dosage of Pullulan polysaccharide reaches the limit of 15g/kg of LD50 (half lethal dose), Pullulan polysaccharide will not cause any biological toxicity and abnormal state, so it is very safe to be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

2.Solubility
Pullulan polysaccharide can dissolve quickly in cold or warm water, the dissolution speed is more than two times faster than carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, polypropylene alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. The solution is neutral, non-ionized, non-gelatinized and non-crystallized. Mutually soluble with water-soluble macromolecules such as carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate and starch, insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform.

3.Stability
The molecule of Pullulan polysaccharide is linear structure, so compared with other polysaccharides, the viscosity of aqueous solution of Pullulan polysaccharide is low, it will not form colloid, and it is a neutral solution with strong adhesion. It is not easily affected by PH value or all kinds of salts, especially for table salt to maintain a stable viscosity. Mixed with boron, titanium and other elements, the viscosity will increase dramatically. In addition, the PH value of 3 or less if heated for a long time, as with other polysaccharides, partially decomposed, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity of the solution.

4.Lubricity
Pullulan polysaccharide is a Newtonian fluid that has excellent lubricity despite its low viscosity. It is suitable for use in compound flavorings such as garnish sauces.

5. Adhesion and coagulability
Pullulan polysaccharide has very strong adhesion, air-drying after spraying, stabilizing adhesion to food (especially dry food). Colleagues also have a strong coagulation force, when made into tablets or granules is the most suitable for use as an adhesive.

6.Laminating property
Pullulan polysaccharide has excellent coating properties and can be easily coated on the surface of food and metal. At the same time, it can be formed from the aqueous solution of pullulan polysaccharide into a water-soluble, colorless, transparent and strong film. It has the characteristics of gas barrier, aroma retention, oil resistance, electrical insulation, etc. It can be used in food to add luster to the surface and preserve freshness.

7. Decomposition
According to the in vivo enzyme digestion test or the results of the growth test of white rats, it has been confirmed that Pullulan polysaccharide is a kind of indigestible polysaccharides with the same cellulose, agar and so on. Under the action of digestive enzymes in the digestive organs of animals, Pullulan polysaccharide is close to non-decomposable within a few hours. By utilizing this low digestibility of Pullulan polysaccharide, it can be used to make special low-calorie foods and drinks.

8. Improve physical properties and maintain moisture
Adding a small amount of pullulan polysaccharide is effective in improving physical properties and retaining moisture. It can be used to improve taste, improve quality, prevent aging, and increase yield.

9. Molding and spinning properties
By adding a certain amount of water to Pullulan polysaccharide and heating and pressurizing it for molding and spinning, edible and water-soluble molded products or fibers can be processed.

Application of Pullulan polysaccharide in foodstuffs
1. Application in candy
In the processing of chewing gum and soft candy products, adding 1%-4% of Pullulan polysaccharide can improve the taste, extend the chewing time and flavor of the products. In the processing of sugar-free chewing gum, adding 4% of pullulan polysaccharide can increase the extensibility and strength, no cracking, chewing, aroma preservation, good taste and long shelf life.
2. Application in ice cream
The ester formed by pullulan polysaccharide and advanced fatty acid has better emulsification than sucrose fatty acid ester and starch fatty acid ester, it can be used as emulsifier to stabilize fat, and it can be used in ice cream production to make its lubrication performance enhancement, good flavor and good taste.
3. Application in fruit and vegetable juice drinks

In fruit and vegetable juice drinks, the use of Pullulan polysaccharide can moderately increase the sense of richness, smoothness, good dispersion, stability enhancement, rich taste.