Abstract
Global reports on multidrug resistance (MDR) and life-threatening pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and Candida cruris have stimulated researchers to explore new antimicrobials that are eco-friendly and economically viable. In this context, biodegradable polymers such as nisin, chitin, and pullulan play an important role in solving the problem. Pullulan is an important edible, biocompatible, water-soluble polymer secreted by Aureobasidium pullulans that occurs ubiquitously. It consists of maltotriose units linked with α-1,6 glycosidic bonds and is classed as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Pullulan is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor activities when incorporated with other additives such as antibiotics, drugs, nanoparticles, and so on. Considering the importance of its antimicrobial activities, this polymer can be used as a potential antimicrobial agent against various pathogenic microorganisms including the multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Moreover, pullulan has ability to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are remarkably efficacious against pathogenic microbes. The pullulan-based nanocomposites can be applied for wound healing, food packaging, and also enhancing the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. In this review, we have discussed biosynthesis of pullulan and its role as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. Pullulan-based films impregnated with different antimicrobials such as AgNPs, chitosan, essential oils, and so on, forming nanocomposites have also been discussed as natural alternatives to combat the problems posed by pathogens.
Highlights
Alarming reports on multidrug resistance (MDR) in pathogens from various parts of the world have garnered the attention of researchers
The worldwide increase of multidrug resistance and the emergence of new microbial pathogens such as Candida auris and COVID-19 have encouraged the scientific community to search for alternatives to existing antimicrobial and drug-delivery systems, such as biodegradable polymers including nisin, chitin, and pullulan
Pullulan is mainly synthesized by Aureobasidium pullulans, which is characterized by maltotriose units linked with α-1,6 glycosidic bonds
Summary
Alarming reports on multidrug resistance (MDR) in pathogens from various parts of the world have garnered the attention of researchers. Pullulan-based nanoparticles are reported to have efficient antibacterial activities against a variety of pathogens. Different pullulan-based composites used in combination with other polymers, such as pectin and chitosan, for the development of films and coatings for food preservation and packaging are gaining considerable importance.
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