Analyzing Excellence: Your Pullulan Sample, Perfected

CD BioGlyco offers a specialized pullulan analysis as part of its broader Pharmaceutical Excipient Analysis Services. We provide a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of pullulan, an important excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Pullulan is an α-glucan produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, forming a slimy substance during fermentation. It's colorless, odorless, safe, and eco-friendly. Its structure consists of glucopyranose rings linked by α-(1-6) and α-(1-4) bonds, making it susceptible to pullulanases, which break it down into units like maltotriose. The distinctive structure of pullulan, characterized by alternating α-(1-4) and α-(1-6) bonds, offers both flexibility and solubility. This structure allows for adhesive properties and the formation of fibers, moldings, and oxygen-resistant films.

Fig.1 The structure of pullulan. (Wikipedia, 2008)

• Qualitative

We dissolve pullulanase in a buffer solution and divide the enzyme solution into two parts. Add pullulan polysaccharide standard items and samples to each part. After enzymolysis, we impinge the mixture onto a silica gel sheet and spray developer following the incubation process. If the sample and standard solutions in the thin-layer chromatogram develop color on the same spot, it proves that the sample is a pullulan polysaccharide.

• Quantitative

Anthrone-sulfuric acid method, with high accuracy, is used for detecting pulullan content.

• Firstly, the anthrone-sulfate reagent is prepared by dissolving anthrone in concentrated sulfuric acid in a volumetric flask.
• Next, we mix dried pullulan polysaccharide standard items with a standard solution.
• To create a typical curve, measure out varying volumes of the reference solution and add anthrone-sulfate reagent before heating to develop color.
• For the sample determination, we mix the sample with distilled water and measure absorbance after developing color.
• Finally, a regression equation is used to calculate the sample's pullulan content and purity.

• Molecular weight

Size exclusion chromatography, referred to as gel permeation, will be utilized to determine the molecular weight distribution of pullulan. Then, based on the accurate measurement data, we will calculate the weight-average (Mw), number-average (Mn), and Z-average (Mz) molecular weights.

• Structure

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is employed to characterize the chemical composition and structural features of pullulan. Subsequently, we will identify functional groups and also assess the purity of the sample by analyzing the spectra within the wave.

• Stability

We also help clients assess the stability of pullulan under different conditions to determine its storage conditions, which is necessary information. Utilize thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate the thermal stability and decomposition behavior of pullulan. By subjecting the sample to controlled heating under a nitrogen atmosphere, we will identify its thermal degradation profile.

• Rheological properties

We also assess the flow behavior of pullulan solutions at different concentrations by using a rotational programmable viscometer, measuring the apparent viscosity across a range of shear rates and concentrations. For the analysis of this data and for determining a flow consistency index and behavior index that will understand the rheologic properties of pullulan, it is possible to use math models like power law models.

• Others

In addition to these analyses mentioned above, we also offer a range of routine tests, including loss on drying, ignition residue, heavy metal analysis, and microbial limit testing. Besides, we offer comprehensive testing services for vacant pullulan capsules, evaluating aspects such as elasticity, fragility, and disintegration time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the beneficial properties of Pullulan?
  • Biodegradability
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Film-forming capability
  • Blood compatibility
  • Mucosal adhesion
• What are the applications of Pullulan?
  • Food research
    • Pullulan can be as dietary fiber to promote the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria.
    • Pullulan can be used for its consistency, dispersibility, and moisture retention to improve shelf life by retarding spoilage.
    • Pullulan can be used as a potential filler in beverages and sauces to stabilize their quality and texture for its low viscosity.
    • Pullulan can be researched to act as a binder and stabilizer in food pastes, as well as adhere nuts to cookies.
• Pharmaceutical industry
  
  • Denture adhesive
  • Sugar-coated pharmaceutical compositions
  • Pharmaceutical coatings
  • Oral care research

  • Soft and hard capsules
  • Vaccine conjugates
  • Liposome delivery
  • Blood plasma expander
• Industrial applications
  • Pullulan can be spun into fibres which are similar to nylon and rayon by wet or dry spinning.
  • Pullulan can be processed by compression or extrusion to produce products that look like polystyrene or polyvinyl alcohol.
  • Molded pullulan-type resins can be coated with a thermosetting resin film, exhibiting properties like transparency, toughness, gas impermeability, and environmental friendliness.
  • Pullulan can be applied as an industrial flocculating agent for the aggregation of suspended particles.
  • Pullulan is utilized in the production of paper and paper-coating materials to enhance gloss, printing quality, adhesive strength, and viscosity stability during storage.
  • Pullulan can improve the characteristics of paint formulations, possibly enhancing durability and application properties.
  • Because of its unique properties such as transparency, toughness, and adhesiveness, pullulan and its derivatives are widely used in industries including photography, lithography, and electronics.
  • Crosslinked pullulan is used as a stationary phase material in gel permeation chromatography, providing water resistance and excellent separation properties.
  • As a carrier for the immobilization of enzymes, hydrophilic pullulan gel with reticulating structure has been used to produce an increased enzyme activity and retention rate.
  • Pullulan can be used as a binder for tobacco, seed coatings, and plant fertilizers.

CD BioGlyco offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of different forms of pullulan to help clients optimize its utilization in Pharmaceutical and Biological research with confidence and precision. Our research team has many years of experience in developing analytical methods, that are utilized to provide detailed data on its molecular structure, purity, and performance attributes, which are important for various applications. If you'd like to know more about what we offer, feel free to contact us.