Production of pullulan by microbial fermentation

Abstract

Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide produced by polymorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. Owing to its structure, consisting of α(1→4) and α(1→6) linkages, it has unique properties and hence is suitable for a variety of commercial applications in various field including food, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical. In this chapter, biosynthesis, production through microbial fermentation, and influence of fermentation conditions like pH, temperature, aeration, agitation on microbial growth, pullulan yield, pullulan purity, and molecular weight are discussed. Later, options of using various agricultural wastes as carbon source for pullulan production are considered.