Pullulan

Natural water-soluble polysaccharide with excellent film-forming ability.
Enables eco-friendly applications in food contact, packaging, and surface treatments.

Eco-Friendly Film Former for Functional Coatings and Advanced Materials

Pullulan is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced via fermentation from starch syrup. Structurally, it is composed of maltotriose units (three glucose molecules linked by α-1,4 bonds) connected through α-1,6-glucosidic bonds. This molecular arrangement grants Pullulan exceptional film-forming and adhesive properties.

Due to its biodegradability, low toxicity, and excellent oxygen barrier performance, Pullulan finds applications in food contact materials, nutraceutical carriers, coatings, polishing agents, and ink formulations. It can also serve as a cosmetic sheet material and eco-friendly adhesive.

NAGASE supplies Pullulan made in Japan for global use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and sustainable packaging solutions – with full regulatory support and technical expertise.

Applications

Pullulan is used in coatings, adhesives, inks, and high-performance materials across industries.

  • Eco-friendly adhesives for wooden container bonding
  • Water-soluble ink formulations for sustainable printing
  • Polishing agents for silicon wafer surface finishing
  • Nanofiber materials for cosmetic sheet production
  • Lubricants for impact press processing applications

Features

Pullulan offers excellent functional properties with natural origin and broad material compatibility.

  • High lubricity – Reduces surface friction in processing applications
  • Strong adhesion – Binds effectively to a variety of substrates
  • Tackiness – Enables controlled stickiness in coating systems
  • Membranous film formation – Ideal for edible and oxygen-sensitive applications
  • Excellent gas barrier – Protects against oxygen penetration
  • Controlled viscosity – 100–180 mm²/s at 10 % concentration (30 °C)

Product Specification

  • White to light yellowish white powder.
  • Soluble in water, DMSO, DMF
  • Insoluble in other organic solvents.
White powdered form of Pullulan – natural, water-soluble polysaccharide used in coatings, adhesives, and food-grade films.
 
Molecular structure of Pullulan showing maltotriose units linked by α-1,6-glucosidic bonds – ideal for film formation and oxygen barrier performance.
Content (per solid): ~90 % or more
Residue on Ignition: Not more than 1,5 %
pH: 5,0 – 7,0 (10 % aqueous solution)
Viscosity (10 % w/w aqueous solution): 100 – 180 mm2/s (30 °C)

Properties

Glass Transition Temp.: 256 °C
Decomposition Temp.: 293 °C
Electrical Conductivity: ~15 µS/cm (3 % aqueous solution)

Frequently Asked Questions about Pullulan

What is Pullulan and how is it produced?
Pullulan is a water-soluble polysaccharide derived from starch syrup via fermentation, composed of maltotriose chains linked by α-1,6-glucosidic bonds.

What are the film-forming benefits of Pullulan?
It forms clear, flexible films that act as oxygen barriers – ideal for coatings, packaging, and nutraceutical carriers.

Can Pullulan be used in food and pharma applications?
Yes, Pullulan is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it suitable for food contact, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic-grade materials.

What makes Pullulan unique in industrial use?
Its combination of lubricity, adhesiveness, tackiness, and gas barrier properties enables multifunctional performance in technical coatings and surface treatments.

Where is Pullulan manufactured?
NAGASE supplies Pullulan made in Japan, ensuring high purity, reliability, and global compliance.

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Paint & Coatings

Kai Hornberger
Sales Manager