What are pullulan capsules?
Pullulan is a biopolymer produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates, such as starch or sugar, by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. The resulting polysaccharide is naturally water-soluble and has exceptional film-forming properties. No toxic chemicals are used in the production of Pullulan capsules, making it a completely natural and environmentally friendly material.
Pullulan capsules are available in size 0 and fit in all size 0 capsule filling machines. They are an alternative to vegetarian HPMC capsules and gelatin capsules for those who want a material that is both plant-based and halal or kosher certified.
Pullulan vs. HPMC vs. Gelatin
The three common capsule types differ in a number of practical ways. Gelatin capsules are of animal origin and dissolve quickly in the stomach, making them popular for daily use. HPMC capsules are plant-based and dissolve slightly more slowly, but are suitable for virtually all powders. Of the three, pullulan capsules have the best barrier properties: they are 250 times more resistant to oxygen transfer than HPMC and 9 times more resistant than gelatin. This makes them suitable for sensitive ingredients that oxidize quickly. Pullulan is also crystal clear, providing better visibility of the contents than the slightly translucent HPMC or the opaque gelatin.
One important limitation: due to their high water content, pullulan capsules should not be used with highly absorbent powders or liquid ingredients. Upon contact with such materials, the capsule shell may soften or disintegrate before ingestion. For kratom, kanna, and other dry herbal powders, this is not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VHK certification mean?
VHK stands for Vegan, Halal, and Kosher. These three certifications confirm that the capsules are free of animal-derived ingredients, comply with Islamic dietary guidelines, and meet Jewish dietary laws. Pullulan is produced entirely through fermentation and contains no animal by-products, making all three certifications applicable.
Are Pullulan capsules faster or slower than gelatin?
The disintegration time of Pullulan capsules is less than 15 minutes, comparable to gelatin. HPMC capsules typically dissolve slightly slower. For most applications, this makes little practical difference, but for those who prioritize rapid absorption, Pullulan is a suitable plant-based option.
Which encapsulation machine is compatible with size 0 Pullulan capsules?
All size 0 capsule filling machines are compatible with these capsules, including both the 24-capsule model and the 50-capsule-per-batch model. View the complete overview in the empty capsules category.
Why shouldn’t Pullulan capsules be used with absorbent powders?
Pullulan capsules naturally contain a higher water content than gelatin or HPMC. Highly absorbent powders draw this moisture from the capsule shell, which can compromise the structure and lead to premature disintegration. For absorbent powders, use gelatin or HPMC capsules from the empty capsules category.
