Pullulan based derivatives: synthesis, enhanced physicochemical properties, and applications

Abstract

Drug distribution relies heavily on polymers, which also offer a variety of benefits like controlled release, targeted release, prolonged release, etc. Due to their low toxicity and great safety, biodegradable polymers are highly preferred. The exopolysaccharide known as pullulan is generated from a fungus known as Aureobasidium pullulan . It has many different qualities, including biodegradability, appropriate adhesion, antioxidant, film-forming capacity, blood compatibility, mucosal adhesion, etc. However, its application in the pharmaceutical industry is restricted by its insolubility in organic solvents, mechanical characteristics, and lack of macromolecule-carrying ability groups. This review provides an overview of the modifications made to pullulan, including periodate oxidation, etherification, esterification, sulfation, urethane derivatization, PEG incorporation, and cationization, to enhance its solubility in organic solvents, mechanical properties, pH sensitivity, drug delivery, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial properties. Pullulan has nine active hydroxyl groups in its structure that react chemically that can be used for physicochemical modification to produce pullulan derivatives. A key area of pullulan research has been pullulan modification, which has demonstrated enhanced solubility, pH-sensitive targeting, broadened horizons for delivery systems, anticoagulation, and antibacterial properties.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Pullulan Scaffolds Loaded with Nepeta racemosa Lam. Essential Oil and Perspectives for Possible Applications

“…In the pharmaceutical industry, PVA-based hydrogels are used as delivery systems for various bioactive compounds [ 47 ]. Pullulan has also biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic properties [ 48 ], and was used in combination with PVA to modulate the tunable properties of the desired composites [ 49 ]. Composite hydrogels based on PVA and pullulan were used for tissue engineering applications [ 50 ], as well as for protective packaging for food and pharmaceutical products [ 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Review on applications of Pullulan in bone tissue engineering: Blends and composites with natural and synthetic polymers

“…14,15 In an aqueous solution, PUL is categorized as a highly electrically spinnable polymer, and thick PUL fibers may support 3D structures. 16 Cross-linking is necessary to make them endure long enough to support the scaffold. 17 White, non-hygroscopic PUL powder dissolves easily in hot or cold water.…”