Introduction: The Rise of Pullulan in Modern Pharmaceuticals
In today’s pharmaceutical industry, the choice of excipient is as vital as the active ingredient itself. Increasing consumer demand for vegan, clean-label, and biocompatible formulations has pushed manufacturers to seek natural polymer alternatives to gelatin and synthetic polymers.
Among these, pullulan has emerged as a star ingredient. This natural, water-soluble polysaccharide—produced by Aureobasidium pullulans—is recognized for its superior film-forming ability, transparency, oxygen barrier, and biodegradability.
Its role in capsule shells, oral films, coatings, and advanced drug delivery systems makes it one of the most versatile and sustainable excipients in modern pharma.
At the forefront of this revolution stands Shandong Mimei Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese producer and global supplier of pharmaceutical-grade pullulan.
Understanding Pullulan: Properties that Matter in Pharma
Pullulan consists of repeating maltotriose units linked via α-1,6-glycosidic bonds, giving it unique physical and chemical properties suitable for human consumption and pharmaceutical applications.
| Property | Functional Benefit in Pharma |
|---|---|
| Water solubility | Enables easy film formation and capsule dissolution |
| Oxygen barrier | Protects oxidation-sensitive drugs |
| Non-ionic & biocompatible | Ideal for oral, ocular, and implant formulations |
| Film transparency | Enhances visual appeal and product branding |
| Biodegradable | Eco-friendly and compliant with “green pharma” goals |
Core Pharmaceutical Uses of Pullulan
1. Pullulan Capsule Shells: A Modern Alternative to Gelatin
Pullulan capsules have become the benchmark for high-end, plant-based pharmaceuticals. They provide the clarity, oxygen resistance, and safety consumers demand without animal ingredients.
To learn more about the differences between pullulan capsules and other medical capsules, you can read: Pullulan vs Other Plant-Based Capsules: Which Is Right for You?
Mimei Biotech produces 10 billion pullulan hollow capsules annually, designed for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clients worldwide.
Advantages of Mimei Pullulan Capsules:
Rapid dissolution: Disintegration < 25 seconds
Excellent oxygen/moisture barrier: Prolongs shelf life of sensitive actives
100 % plant-based and allergen-free: Ideal for vegan, Halal, and Kosher markets
Odorless and tasteless: Enhances patient compliance
Table 1. Comparison of Capsule Shell Materials
| Attribute | Pullulan Capsule | Gelatin Capsule | HPMC Capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based microbial fermentation | Animal (bovine/pig) | Plant-based cellulose |
| Oxygen barrier | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Transparency | High clarity | Low | Medium |
| Disintegration | Fast (< 25 s) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Market segment | Premium pharma & nutraceutical | Standard | Mid-range |
Data: PharmaExcipients (2023); Vivion (2023)
Mimei Biotech’s ISO 22000-, ISO 14001-, and ISO 45001-certified facility ensures consistent quality and global compliance, making it a preferred supplier for capsule manufacturers.
2. Oral Films and Fast-Dissolve Systems
Pullulan’s film-forming capability has opened new opportunities in orodispersible films (ODFs)—a popular dosage form for pediatric, geriatric, and on-the-go consumers.
Mimei Biotech’s pullulan bio-polysaccharide membranes (80 million pcs/year) are specifically engineered for pharmaceutical film applications.
Research-backed performance:
A study published in Pharmaceutics (2023) developed iron-loaded ODFs using pullulan, showing uniform film thickness (120 µm), folding endurance (100 folds), and disintegration in < 25 seconds.
Table 2. Pullulan Film Characteristics in ODFs
| Parameter | Measured Value | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Film thickness | 120 ± 10 µm | MDPI 2023 |
| Folding endurance | 100–120 folds | MDPI 2023 |
| Disintegration time | < 25 s | MDPI 2023 |
| pH range | 6.5–6.8 (neutral) | MDPI 2023 |
Mimei Biotech customizes pullulan membranes to meet viscosity, mechanical strength, and dissolution targets for oral thin films, transdermal films, and topical delivery.
3. Pullulan in Advanced Drug-Delivery Systems
Pullulan is not only an excipient—it’s an active delivery platform. Derivatives of pullulan (sulfated, thiolated, folate-modified) are being explored as nanocarriers for targeted and sustained drug delivery.
Examples:
Pullulan nanoparticles enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs.
Folate-pullulan conjugates improve targeting for anticancer therapy.
Crosslinked pullulan hydrogels serve as controlled-release matrices in implants.
Mimei Biotech’s R&D team of over 20 experts is currently advancing custom pullulan derivatives for specialized pharmaceutical formulations.
To learn more about pullulan delivery applications, you can read: Harnessing the Power of Pullulan Powder in Biomedical Engineering
Table 3. Pullulan in Drug-Delivery Research
| Application | Description | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Nanoparticles (PMCID 11313896) | Polymeric pullulan carriers | Improved drug stability & bioavailability |
| Microparticle excipient (SciELO 2023) | Alendronate Na pullulan microparticles | Maintained gastroresistance under compression |
| Ocular delivery (PubMed 2024) | Pullulan coating for implants | Biocompatible, non-irritant film matrix |
4. Tablet Coatings and Controlled-Release Formulations
Pullulan’s neutral taste, gloss, and oxygen-barrier properties make it ideal for tablet coating and controlled-release systems.
To learn more about pullulan coating solutions, you can read: Food and Pharma Grade Pullulan for Edible Films and Coating.
Mimei Biotech provides pharm-grade pullulan powders tailored for coating solutions, enabling:
Improved stability for oxidation-sensitive actives
Enhanced aesthetic quality (glossy, clear coating)
Reduced need for synthetic polymers
Combined with Mimei’s high-purity dextran (10,800 tons/year), formulators can design multi-layer polysaccharide coatings for specialized drug-release profiles.
Why Mimei Biotech Is the Trusted Partner for Pharmaceutical Pullulan
Large-Scale GMP-Standard Production
Mimei Biotech operates five modern production lines in Linqu County, Shandong Province, covering 14 hectares and 120,000 m² of facilities.
The plant follows GMP workshop standards and uses advanced industrial automation systems, ensuring pharmaceutical consistency batch after batch.
Certified Quality and Global Recognition
All pullulan products are certified under:
ISO 22000 – Food and pharma safety management
ISO 14001 – Environmental management
ISO 45001 – Occupational health & safety management
Mimei pullulan is also certified Organic, Kosher, and Halal, opening global market access for diverse regulatory environments.
R&D and OEM Capabilities
Mimei’s in-house R&D team collaborates with universities and research institutes to continuously innovate.
The company offers OEM and custom formulation services for:
Pullulan capsule shells (size 0 – 00)
Pullulan films and membranes
Pullulan derivatives for drug-delivery systems
Custom-viscosity powders and blends
Research Data Supporting Pullulan’s Efficacy in Pharma
Table 4. Pullulan’s Functional Metrics in Pharmaceutical Applications
| Function | Measured Performance | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen permeability | 0.3 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm³·cm/cm²·s·Pa (very low) | FAO JECFA 2018 |
| Moisture absorption | < 6 % at 65 % RH | FAO JECFA 2018 |
| Film tensile strength | 100 MPa (average) | PubMed 2023 |
| Capsule disintegration | 15–25 s | Patents JP5379121B2 |
| Cytotoxicity | None detected up to 2 mg/mL | NCBI 2024 |
These measurable indicators underscore why pharmaceutical-grade pullulan from Mimei Biotech meets or exceeds global standards for safety, efficacy, and performance.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Mimei Biotech is not only a producer but also a responsible innovator.
Green production: The facility implements energy-saving fermentation and wastewater recycling systems.
Social contribution: The company actively supports local employment and participates in environmental and educational initiatives.
Sustainable future: All pullulan is derived from renewable starch sources, aligning with the “green chemistry” vision of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The Future of Pullulan in Pharmaceuticals
The future of pullulan in pharma lies in the fusion of biotechnology and material science.
As the global market for vegan excipients and oral thin films continues to expand, Mimei Biotech is prepared to meet the increasing demand with scalable capacity and R&D innovation.
Projected Market Growth (2025 – 2030)
| Application | 2025 Market Size (USD Million) | CAGR 2025-2030 | Main Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule shells | 480 | 8.5 % | Demand for vegan formulations |
| Oral films | 210 | 10.2 % | Pediatric/geriatric acceptance |
| Drug-delivery systems | 320 | 9.8 % | Biopolymer research |
| Coatings | 150 | 7.3 % | Controlled-release formulations |
Data compiled from PubMed, MarketsandMarkets and FAO reports, 2024-2025.
Mimei Biotech’s expanding annual production capacity of 3,000 tons of pullulan ensures a stable global supply that can meet pharmaceutical industry growth for years to come.
Conclusion: Mimei Biotech—Powering the Future of Pharmaceutical Innovation
Pullulan is redefining what excipients can do for modern medicine.
From vegan capsule shells to fast-dissolve films, targeted drug delivery, and sustainable coatings, its versatility aligns with the next generation of pharmaceutical innovation.
And at the center of this global transformation is Shandong Mimei Biotechnology Co., Ltd.—a pioneer dedicated to producing high-purity, GMP-certified, and globally compliant pullulan for every pharmaceutical need.
Choose Mimei Biotech—where biotechnology meets pharmaceutical excellence.
