Pullulan biosynthesis

K.C. Cheng, A. Demirci, J.M. Catchmark, Pullulan Biosynthesis, production, and applications, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 92,29-44,2011. 

K.I. Shingel, Current knowledge on biosynthesis, biological activity, and chemical modification of the exopolysaccharide, pullulan. Carbohydr. Res. 339(3), 447-460 (2004). 

The mechanisms triggering polysaccharide synthesis by fungi are well understood but the enzymes involved in polysaccharide secretion remain to be identified. Biosynthetic pathways for the production of specific polysaccharides, such as the capsule synthesis in C. neoformans or pullulan by A. pulllulans, have been studied in more detail because of their proven importance for pharmaceutical or food industries, respectively. However, even in those cases, the mechanisms of polymer biosynthesis are far from being understood. 

J.E Robyt, Structure, biosynthesis and uses of nonstarch polysaccharides Dextran, alternan, pullulan and algin, in R.J. Alexander and H.F. Zobel, eds.. Developments in Carbohydrate Chemistry, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, pp. 261-292,1992. 

Bae BC, Na K. Self-quenching polysaccharide-based nanogels of pullulan/folate-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy. Biomaterials. 31 (24) 6325-6335, 2010. Schmid J, Meyer V, Sieber V. Scleroglucan Biosynthesis, production and application of a versatile hydrocolloid. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 91 (4) 937-947, 2011. 

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