A. pullulans (a yeast-like fungus), its importance and applications

Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) is a yeast-like fungus which belongs to the order Dothideales that occurs in Mediterranean, dry and tropical areas where fresh water and marine precipitates can be found on the leaves of the trees. A. pullulans has different applications in various biological fields. Production of pullulan is one of its uses and also it can be used in tasteless polymers as a flavor. Pullulan is a biomaterial factor and is used as a primary material in production of medications and food. Pullulan is used in pharmacologic industry as a binder and oxidative agent. A. pullulans can be used for production of “single cell protein” and also removal of oil spots on the seas, lakes and seashores. It can be used for production of xylanase, sucrase, amylase, and b-galactosidase, glucoamylase. In addition, other important enzymes can be produced which add to the importance of this organism. There are few reports indicating yet another potential of A. pullulans as a probable source of new extracellular and intracellular antimicrobial agents. Considering the above mentioned potentials of A. pullulans, it is clear that this organism is of great importance for various research point of view. Therefore considering the importance of its industrial production (antibiotic, pullulan, single cell protein, removal of environmental pollution, and paint manufacturing industry), we recommend more investigations in the future and its industrial production.