Current scenario and perspectives of pullulan in films, coatings, stabilizing agent and dietary supplement in food products
Article
Bhari, R, Kaur, G, Kaur, N et al. (2025). Current scenario and perspectives of pullulan in films, coatings, stabilizing agent and dietary supplement in food products
. 19(10), 7098-7118. 10.1007/s11694-025-03495-0
Bhari, R, Kaur, G, Kaur, N et al. (2025). Current scenario and perspectives of pullulan in films, coatings, stabilizing agent and dietary supplement in food products
. 19(10), 7098-7118. 10.1007/s11694-025-03495-0
The necessity of sustainable, functional, health-cognizant, and high-quality materials for food applications has driven the research for natural and biodegradable materials in food industry. The major challenges encountered by food industry are increasing shelf life of perishable items, improvement of product stability, mitigating risk of microbial spoilage, reducing dependence on synthetic packaging materials, and meeting the rising demand for less-processed dietary supplements. In response to growing consumer demand for safe, edible, and functional food products, the food industries are increasingly moving towards natural biopolymers. Usage of non-toxic biopolymers in food packaging is a friendly approach towards environmental sustainability. Owing to distinctive physico-chemical properties, pullulan derivatives and their formulations can find extensive use as packaging material, coating of food products, stabilizer, dietary supplements, etc. Pullulan based coatings and films prolong shelf-life, maintain freshness, acts as a barrier against contaminants, and aid in controlled release of active agents without compromising flavor or texture of food products. The present review article represent the current status of pullulan and its uses such as food preservation, stabilization, packaging of food, texture improvement etc. which is in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production which ultimately promotes functional and eco-friendly materials for food sector.
