Pullulanase

Pullulanase suppliers and sourcing guide

Pullulanase is a starch-debranching enzyme that splits the alpha-1,6 links at the branch points of amylopectin and pullulan. It is made by fermenting Bacillus species, often strains carrying a pullulanase gene from Bacillus acidopullulyticus or Bacillus deramificans, then filtering and concentrating the broth. Starch processors and brewers buy it mostly as a liquid, used with glucoamylase or beta-amylase to raise glucose or maltose yield.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Enzymes
Also known as: Debranching enzyme · Pullulan 6-alpha-glucanohydrolase · EC 3.2.1.41
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of pullulanase

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Liquid concentrate
The usual commercial form, stabilized with sugars or glycerol and dosed by pump in starch saccharification.
Blends with glucoamylase
Premixed glucoamylase and pullulanase products for glucose syrup production.
Powder or granulate
Dry grades for brewing and baking where liquids are less convenient.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Pullulanase activity: Activity by release of reducing sugars from pullulan under stated pH and temperature, in the supplier's units per gram or mL; compare offers in the same unit.
Side activities: Levels of other carbohydrase or protease activity where they matter to the process.
Production strain and antibiotic activity: Absence of the production organism and of antibiotic activity in the finished preparation, as FCC asks for microbial enzymes; ask for a statement of the strain and whether it is genetically modified.
Heavy metals: Lead (and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury) by ICP-MS, reported against FCC enzyme-preparation limits or the supplier's specification.
Microbiology: Total plate count, coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella, reported against the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) general limits for enzyme preparations or the supplier's tighter specification.
Density and preservative: Specific gravity for liquid dosing and the identity and level of preservatives such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.

Lots and expiry dates

Activity varies from lot to lot, so record the measured activity and its unit for each lot and set the dose from it rather than from the nominal value. Record the production organism, carrier and any stabilizer or preservative, and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

GRN 205, for pullulanase from Bacillus subtilis expressing the pullulanase gene from B. acidopullulyticus (Novozymes), for use in brewing, closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
GRN 20, for pullulanase from Bacillus subtilis carrying a gene from Bacillus naganoensis (Enzyme Bio-Systems), for hydrolyzing starch in corn sweeteners, baked goods and alcoholic beverages, closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes pullulanase (item P.13) from Bacillus acidopullulyticus and Bacillus licheniformis strains.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Pullulanase suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking pullulanase suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of pullulanase can brands buy?

Common forms include liquid concentrate, blends with glucoamylase and powder or granulate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for pullulanase include?

Expect pullulanase activity, side activities, production strain and antibiotic activity, heavy metals, microbiology and density and preservative, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should pullulanase be stored?

What is the regulatory status of pullulanase?

GRN 205, for pullulanase from Bacillus subtilis expressing the pullulanase gene from B. acidopullulyticus (Novozymes), for use in brewing, closed with FDA having no questions. GRN 20, for pullulanase from Bacillus subtilis carrying a gene from Bacillus naganoensis (Enzyme Bio-Systems), for hydrolyzing starch in corn sweeteners, baked goods and alcoholic beverages, closed with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes pullulanase (item P.13) from Bacillus acidopullulyticus and Bacillus licheniformis strains.

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