β-Glucan and mineral nutrient contents of cereals grown in Turkey

Abstract

Mixed-linked (1 → 3), ( 1→ 4)-β- d-glucan contents of 14 selected cereal grains grown in Turkey, such as barley ( Hordeum vulgaria), beans, canary seed ( Tropaeolum peregrinum), corn/maize ( Zea mays), flax, lentil ( Lens culinaris), millet ( Panicum miliaceum), oat ( Avena sativa), peas, rice, rye ( Secale cereale), spelt ( Triticum spelta), spring wheat and winter wheat, were determined quantitatively using enzymatic methods. By using pure β- d-glucanase and β- d-glucosidase in the experiments, (1 → 3), ( 1→ 4)-glycosidic bonds of linear polysaccharides found in cell-wall endosperm of plant seeds were hydrolyzed and the resulting β- d-glucans were determined by using glucose oxidase/peroxidase solution and measuring the absorbances at 510 nm in a UV-spectrophotometer. The nutrient mineral contents of the 14 selected cereal grains were studied. Some macronutrients such as K, Ca, Mg, N, P and S, and some micronutrients, such as Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and B, were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) methods. A flame photometer was used for determination of potassium. After oven drying of the samples, P was determined by a colorimetric method.