Table of Contents
1. Core Overview (Quick Fact Sheet)
2. What Are Pullulan Capsules?
3. Key Advantages
4. Standard Production Process
5. Industry Application Scenarios
6. Practical Usage & Customization Tips
7. Los Angeles Regulatory Compliance
8. Pullulan vs Gelatin/HPMC Capsules
9. Sample & Local Consultation Request
1. Core Overview (Quick Fact Sheet)
• Core Composition: 100% plant-based polysaccharide (Aureobasidium pullulans fermentation)
• Key Specs: CAS 9057-02-7 | INS 1204 | ~200 kDa | 90%+ purity
• Physical Traits: 8–10% moisture | OTR 0.05–0.15 cc/m²/day | 36-month shelf life
• Standard Sizes: 000–5 | Dissolution: 15–30 mins (acidic/neutral GI)
• Dietary Fit: Vegan/halal/kosher | Gluten/lactose/preservative-free
2. What Are Pullulan Capsules?
Pullulan capsules are plant-based hard capsules made from naturally fermented pullulan—a water-soluble linear polysaccharide with 1,6-linked maltotriose units. Produced by fermenting tapioca starch or corn syrup with Aureobasidium pullulans, it is a natural alternative to animal-derived gelatin and petroleum-based HPMC. Discovered in 1959, it contains no animal by-products or artificial additives, fitting all dietary and ethical restrictions for global consumers.
3. Key Advantages
1. Ultimate Dietary Inclusivity: 100% plant-sourced, meets global vegan/halal/kosher standards. Free of wheat, gluten and lactose, suiting common allergen sensitivities with no preservatives.
2. Superior Oxygen Barrier: Industry-leading OTR protects oxygen-sensitive ingredients (probiotics, omega-3s, vitamins) from oxidation and potency loss during storage.
3. Fast Dissolution & Bioavailability: 15–30 mins dissolution in GI tract, faster than gelatin and HPMC. Supports enteric coating for acid-sensitive formulations to boost absorption.
4. Global Distribution Stability: Resists temperature, humidity and light fluctuations. No brittleness in dry conditions or stickiness in humid environments—gelatin’s critical flaw.
5. Eco-Sustainability: Uses renewable plant substrates with a low carbon footprint. Biodegradable and compostable, aligning with global clean-label consumer demand.
6. Formulation Versatility: Compatible with powders, granules, liquids and semi-solids. Machine-friendly with minimal jamming and uniform thickness for consistent filling.
4. Standard Production Process
1. Raw Sourcing: Certified non-GMO, gluten-free tapioca starch/corn syrup from sustainable farms. Undergoes rigorous purity and contaminant testing to meet pharma-grade standards.
2. Fermentation: Substrates mixed with water and inoculated with Aureobasidium pullulans in controlled bioreactors. 48–72h fermentation with monitored temp, pH and oxygen forms viscous pullulan broth.
3. Purification: Broth filtered to remove cells and impurities, then purified via ion exchange or activated carbon to 90%+ purity. Dried into a fine, free-flowing powder for capsule production.
4. Formation: Pullulan powder mixed with water and natural carrageenan (for flexibility) to form a gel. Stainless steel pins dipped in gel, dried to thin shells, then trimmed and sorted into body/cap halves.
5. QC Testing: Mandatory checks for purity, dissolution rate, OTR, physical properties and microbiological safety. Defective shells are discarded; only qualified capsules are prepared for shipping.
5. Industry Application Scenarios
Pharmaceutical Industry
Use for OTC meds, prescription drugs and generics (rapid-acting pain relievers, antibiotics, hormone formulations). Core value: fast dissolution, oxygen barrier, enteric coating compatibility and global regulatory approval.
Nutraceutical Industry
Fastest-growing application for probiotics, vitamins/minerals, herbal supplements and omega-3s. Core value: oxygen protection for probiotics, fast absorption, taste masking and global dietary inclusivity.
Cosmetic & Food Industry
Oral beauty supplements (collagen, hyaluronic acid) for fast absorption; functional foods for encapsulating bitter flavors (caffeine, herbs) and probiotic protection during processing.
6. Practical Usage & Customization Tips
1. Size Selection: 000/00 for powders/granules; 0–5 for liquids/semi-solids, matching exact formulation volume needs.
2. Customization: Supports color matching, brand printing and enteric coating—no impact on core dissolution or barrier performance.
3. Machine Compatibility: Adapts to all standard capsule filling machines with no special equipment needed, minimizing production jamming.
4. Storage Norms: Preserve 36-month shelf life with dry, cool storage (15–25℃; relative humidity <60%) and light-proof packaging.
7. Los Angeles Regulatory Compliance
• USA: FDA GRAS certified | USDA organic supplement ingredient listed
• EU: EFSA approved | Compliant with EU food and pharma regulatory standards
• Los Angeles: California CDFA certified | Halal/kosher compliant
• Global: WHO & JECFA safety approved | No animal contact in entire production process
8. Pullulan vs Gelatin/HPMC Capsules
Pullulan outperforms gelatin and HPMC in dietary inclusivity, oxygen protection and sustainability. It balances fast dissolution with long-term stability, making it a universal plant-based alternative
9. Sample & Consultation Request
Official Website: www.eekpharma.com | Online sample application and product detail download
Global Email: kevin@eekpharma.com | 24h response for bulk production and customization inquiries
Free Sample: 000–5 sizes available; submit an online request for free pullulan capsule samples with QC reports.