Pullulan
Pullulan is produced by the fungus aureobasidium pullulans. Pullulan is a polysaccharide consisting of maltotriose units. It is a α-1,4- ;α-1,6-glucan. Three glucose units in maltotriose are connected by an α-1,4 glycosidic bond, and the consecutive maltotriose units are connected to each other by an α-1,6 glycosidic bond. As an edible, almost tasteless polymer, the main commercial use of pullulan is in the manufacture of edible films that are used in various breath freshener or oral hygiene products. Pullulan is also used by scientists as a carrier for other chemicals. In skin care, pullulan gives an instant tightening effect by creating a film that stays on the surface of the skin. The tightening effect is purely cosmetic and washes away after use.
