Drug delivery systems using pullulan, a biocompatible polysaccharide produced by fungal fermentation of starch

Advanced drug delivery systems are now designed with biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic materials such as polysaccharides. Pullulan is a polysaccharide consisting of maltotriose units. Pullulan is produced from starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. Pullulan and derivatives are able to conjugate or complex with hydrophobic drugs. Scientists are optimizing the physical interactions and hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance to create systems with controlled loading and targeted delivery of the drugs to cancer cells or liver cell receptors. This article reviews pullulan-based systems of various therapeutic properties. Pullulan structure can be easily modified to transfer various drugs. Pullulan can form microparticles, nanoparticles, micelles, films and hydrogels. Therapeutic properties include antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiglycemic, antilipidemic, bone regenerator and systemic protective role. The medical suitability of pullulan-based drug carriers is confirmed by profiles of drug release and cytotoxicity tests carried out in vivo or in vitro.