Yeast Β-glucan Research Articles

Effects of yeast β-glucan on gelatinization, structure and digestibility of potato starch.

Potato starch (PS) is widely used in food, but its application is limited because of its poor heat resistance and easy aging. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt some modification methods to improve its performance and expand its application range. To improve these shortcomings of PS, the effect of yeast β-glucan (YG) at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%, w/v) on the gelatinization, structure and in vitro digestive properties of PS were investigated. The interaction of YG with PS was different because of different molecular weights. The addition of YG reduced the peak viscosity and increased the final viscosity of PS. YG made the texture of PS gel softer, and the effect of low molecular weight YG was more obvious. YG enhanced the thermal stability of PS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that YG and PS interacted through hydrogen bonds. In addition, YG reduced the digestibility of PS in vitro. Collectively, the addition of β-glucan to PS can serve as a new approach to enhance the technological properties of PS in food applications. These results will provide theoretical basis for PS to develop into functional food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Yeast β-glucan supplementation lowers insulin resistance without altering microbiota composition compared to placebo in subjects with Type II diabetes: a phase I exploratory study.

The increased global prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with consumption of low fibre "Western diets". Characteristic metabolic parameters of these individuals include insulin resistance, high fasting and postprandial glucose, as well as low-grade systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota composition is altered significantly in these cohorts suggesting a causative link between diet, microbiota and disease. Dietary fibre consumption has been shown to alleviate these changes and improve glucose parameters in individuals with metabolic disease. We previously reported that yeast β-glucan (yeast beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan; Wellmune) supplementation ameliorated hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in a murine model. Here we conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled, two-armed dietary fibre phase I exploratory intervention study in patients with T2DM. The primary outcome measure was alteration to microbiota composition while the secondary outcome measures included markers of glycaemic control, inflammation as well as metabolomics. Patients were supplemented with 2.5g/day of maltodextrin (placebo) or yeast β-1,3/1,6-D-glucan (treatment). Yeast β-glucan (Wellmune) lowered insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to the placebo maltodextrin after 8 weeks of consumption. TNFα was significantly lower after 4 weeks of β-glucan supplementation. Significantly higher faecal concentrations of several bile acids were detected in the treatment group when compared to the placebo after 8 weeks. These included tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) which was previously shown to improve glucose control and lower insulin resistance. Interestingly, the hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effect of yeast β-glucan was independent of any changes in faecal microbiota composition or short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Our findings highlight the potential of yeast β-glucan to lower insulin resistance in patients with T2DM.

Yeast β-glucan attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis: Involvement of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids

Yeast β-glucan intervention offers a promising strategy for managing colitis; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. In the present work, the protective effects of yeast β-glucan on DSS-induced colitis in mice was evaluated, focusing on its interaction with gut microbiota. The result showed yeast β-glucan significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, evidenced by reduced weight loss, lower disease activity index (DAI) scores, and minimized intestinal damage. It enhanced intestinal barrier integrity via upregulation of tight junction proteins, suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Additionally, yeast β-glucan boosted short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and activated their receptors, increased the relative abundances of beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006. Transcriptomic analyses suggest that yeast β-glucan mitigates inflammation by downregulating gene expression related to IL-17 pathway. Our findings highlight potential of yeast β-glucan as a therapeutic agent for colitis through modulation of gut microbiota and inflammatory responses.

β-glucan improves intestinal health of pearl gentian grouper via activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Our previous study has demonstrated that supplementation of yeast β-glucan improves intestinal health in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀), accompanied by the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of perturbing p38 MAPK activity using an inhibitor on the intestinal health of β-glucan-injected pearl gentian grouper to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of β-glucan on the fish gut. The pearl gentian grouper was categorized into four groups: PBS injected (CD group), β-glucan injected at a dose of 80 mg/kg (βG group), p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg (SB203580 group), and a combination of β-glucan (80 mg/kg) and SB203580 (1 mg/kg) injected together (βG + SB203580 group). The results revealed that the introduction of SB203580 significantly suppressed the β-glucan-induced increase in p38α and p38β mRNA expression, as well as the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Both the βG group and SB203580 group exhibited reduced plica height and muscularis thickness. The βG + SB203580 group displayed a significant reduction in mucin cell level; interleukin 1β (il1β) mRNA expression; induced nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL1β concentration; catalase and total antioxidant capacity activities. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the levels of intestinal malondialdehyde in the βG + SB203580 group compared to the βG group. The inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling halted the trend of apoptosis-related caspase molecular expression induced by β-glucan. In conclusion, β-glucan injection resulted in elevated levels of mucous cells, nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and anti-apoptosis in grouper by modulating the p38 MAPK pathway. This study offers insights into the potential molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of β-glucan on intestinal health in pearl gentian grouper.

Yeast β-glucan alleviates high-fat diet-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies in rats via the gut-brain axis

Targeting the gut microbiota may be an emerging strategy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Macro-molecular yeast β-glucan (BG), derived from the yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, regulates the gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of long-term BG in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced AD-like pathologies from the perspective of the gut microbiota. Here, we found that 80 weeks of BG treatment ameliorated HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. In the hippocampus, BG alleviated HFD-induced the activation of astrocytes, microglia, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, and AD-like pathologies. BG modulated gut dysbiosis through increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). BG also attenuated HFD-induced gut barrier impairment. Correlation analysis revealed a close relationship among microbiota, SCFAs, and AD-like pathologies. Furthermore, the fecal microbiota of BG-treated rats and SCFAs treatment mitigated AD-like pathologies via the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in HFD-fed aged rats. These results suggested that long-term BG promotes the production of SCFAs derived from gut microbiota, which further inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation, thereby alleviating HFD-induced AD-like pathologies in rats. BG may become a new strategy for targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Nutraceutical composition (yeast β-glucan, prebiotics, minerals, and silymarin) predicts improvement of sleep quality and metabolic parameters: A randomized pilot study

Background & AimsThe search for integrative and natural therapies that favor homeostasis to boost sleep and diet quality took place for young adult populations as a non-pharmacological strategy for long-term good quality of life. Thus, the present pilot study aims to investigate the effects of 90-day consumption of a nutraceutical composition on the neuro-immune-endocrine axis, providing better sleep quality and health improvement. MethodsFor this, from March 2021 to June 2021, twenty-two Brazilian young adult volunteers (women and men) with BMI between 18.5 to 34.9 kg/m2 were divided into three distinct supplementation groups: NSupple; NSupple plus_S, and NSupple plus. Briefly, the supplement compositions included yeast β-glucan, prebiotics, and minerals in different concentrations associated or not with the herbal medicine silymarin.Neither nutritional nor physical activity interventions were performed during this pilot study period. The anthropometrics measures, questionnaires answer data, and harvest blood for metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal tests were collected at baseline time (day zero-T0) and day 90 (T90) post-supplementation. ResultsOur results highlight that the supplementation reduced body mass index (BMI), Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference, AST/ALT ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and HbA1c. Post-supplementation the IL-6 and IL-10 levels and the sleep, humor, and quality of life scores were suggested to improve. Sleep quality improvement seems to predict the reduction of adiposity-related body measures. ConclusionIn sum, the nutraceutical supplementation might be related to anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine parameters after 90 days reflecting on perception of humor, sleep, and life quality enhancement. However, it is important to recognize the limitation of the data presented considering that this was a pilot study. Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04810572 registered on 20th February 2021.

Preparation of a hydrolyzed yeast β-glucan chromium(III) complex and evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity and sub-acute toxicity

Yeast β-glucan (BYG) possesses extremely low solubility that has limited its applications. In this study, we hydrolyzed BYG using snail enzyme to obtain hydrolyzed yeast β-glucan (HBYG) with desirable water solubility and hypoglycemic activity. On the basis of HBYG, HBYG‑chromium(III) complex (HBYG-Cr) was synthesized. The molecular weight of the complex was 4.41 × 104 Da, and the content of trivalent chromium was 8.95 %. The hydroxyl groups of HBYG participated in the coordination and formed the chromium complex. The space conformations of HBYG exhibited remarkable changes after complex formation. HBYG-Cr existed mainly in an amorphous state and presented good dispersibility, and the surface was uneven. The hypoglycemic activity of HBYG-Cr was studied in db/db and C57 mice. The results showed that HBYG-Cr had good hypoglycemic activity. Histopathological studies demonstrated that the liver, kidney, pancreas, and skeletal muscle in the treatment group were significantly improved compared with those in the diabetic model group. The sub-acute toxicity of HBYG-Cr was studied in KM mice and the results indicated that the complex did not cause adverse reactions or toxic side effects. This study broadened the application of yeast β-glucan and provided an important reference for the development of hypoglycemic functional foods and drugs.

Yeast β-glucan-based nanoparticles loading methotrexate promotes osteogenesis of hDPSCs and periodontal bone regeneration under the inflammatory microenvironment

The regeneration of absorbed alveolar bone and reconstruction of periodontal support tissue are huge challenges in the clinical treatment of periodontitis due to the limited regenerative capacity of alveolar bone. It is essential to regulate inflammatory reaction and periodontal cell differentiation. Based on the anti-inflammatory effect of baker's yeast β-glucan (BYG) with biosafety by targeting macrophages, the BYG-based nanoparticles loading methotrexate (cBPM) were fabricated from polyethylene glycol-grafted BYG through chemical crosslinking for treatment of periodontitis. In our findings, cBPM promoted osteogenesis of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) under inflammatory microenvironment, characterized by the enhanced expression of osteogenesis-related Runx2 and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MAPK/Erk) pathway in vitro. Animal experiments further demonstrate that cBPM effectively promoted periodontal bone regeneration and achieved in a better effect of recovery indicated by 19.2 % increase in tissue volume, 7.1 % decrease in trabecular separation, and a significant increase in percent bone volume and trabecular thickness, compared with the model group. Additionally, cBPM inhibited inflammation and repaired alveolar bone by transforming macrophage phenotype from inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2. This work provides an alternative strategy for the clinical treatment of periodontitis through BYG-based delivery nanoplatform of anti-inflammatory drugs.

The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children.

Background: β-glucans are bioactive β-D-glucose polysaccharides of natural origin, presenting antimicrobial and immunomodulation properties, with a low risk of toxicity. Objectives: This scoping review aims to present the current knowledge on the anti-infective properties of β-glucans in the pediatric population. Methods: We used the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist to prepare this review. Studies were identified by electronic searches of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to May 2021. Results: The primary search allowed us to find 6232 studies, twelve of which were finally included in the analysis. Eight studies were designed as randomized, placebo-controlled trials, while in four studies the intervention outcome was compared with the pre-intervention period in the same group. The type of preparation and doses varied between studies: in five trials pleuran was administered (in dose 10 mg/5 kg of body weight/day), and in one study baker's yeast β-glucan was used (in two doses: 35mg/day and 75 mg/day). In six other studies, the analyzed preparation comprised β-glucan and other substances. The shortest study lasted seven days, while the most prolonged intervention lasted six months, followed by six months of follow-up. Ten out of twelve trials demonstrated the effectiveness of β-glucans in reducing respiratory tract infection incidence or alleviation of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Ten out of twelve studies have reported a good tolerance and safety profile. Conclusions: Good tolerance of β-glucans shows a favorable benefit-risk ratio of this type of intervention. Nevertheless, further monitoring of their efficacy and safety in high-quality research is necessary.

Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial

Nutraceutical interventions supporting microbiota and eliciting clinical improvements in metabolic diseases have grown significantly. Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and metainflammation have emerged as key factors intertwined with sleep disorders, consequently exacerbating the decline in quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of two nutraceutical formulations containing prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), yeast β-glucans), minerals (Mg, Se, Zn), and the herbal medicine Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Asteraceae (Milk thistle or Silymarin). These formulations, namely NSupple (without silymarin) and NSupple_Silybum (with silymarin) were tested over 180 days in overweight/obese volunteers from Brazil's southeastern region. We accessed fecal gut microbiota by partial 16S rRNA sequences; cytokines expression by CBA; anthropometrics, quality of life and sleep, as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters, at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Results demonstrated gut microbiota reshaping at phyla, genera, and species level post-supplementation. The Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, and Prevotella genera were positively modulated especially in the NSupple_Silybum group. Gut microbiota modulation was associated with improved sleep patterns, quality-of-life perception, cytokines expression, and anthropometric parameters post-supplementation. Our findings suggest that the nutraceutical blends positively enhance cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Particularly, NSupple_Silybum modulated microbiota composition, underscoring its potential significance in ameliorating metabolic dysregulation. Clinical trial registry number: NCT04810572. 23/03/2021.

The construction of yeast β-glucan coated-edible dock protein nanomicelles for the encapsulation and sustained release of apigenin

In this study, yeast β-glucan (YG) and edible dock protein (EDP) were used to develop the nanomicelles for delivering apigenin (Api) via self-assembly. Results showed that a stable and uniform Api-EDP-YG composite nanomicelles could be formed when the additive amount of YG was 0.5 wt%, giving the particle size of 351.2 nm and the zeta-potential of −22.59 mV. The composite nanomicelles exhibited a core-shell structure, wherein Api-EDP was a core and YG was a shell. Moreover, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces drove the formation of Api-EDP-YG nanomicelles. Meanwhile, the composite nanomicelles can delay the degradation of apigenin in SSF and make it slowly release in SIF, which is benefit for improving its stability and bioavailability. Importantly, the apigenin within the composite nanomicelles displayed a good storage stability and cellular compatibility. These results indicated that the Api-EDP-YG nanomicelles might have a potential application in precision nutritional and healthy foods.

Yeast β-glucan promotes antiviral type I interferon response via dectin-1

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), an alphaherpesvirus, is a neglected zoonotic pathogen. Dectin-1 sensing of β-glucan (BG) induces trained immunity, which can possibly form a new strategy for the prevention of viral infection. However, alphaherpesvirus including PRV have received little to no investigation in the context of trained immunity. Here, we found that BG pretreatment improved the survival rate, weight loss outcomes, alleviated histological injury and decreased PRV copy number of tissues in PRV-infected mice. Type I interferons (IFNs) including IFN-α/β levels in serum were significantly increased by BG. However, these effects were abrogated in the presence of Dectin-1 antagonist. Dectin-1-mediated effect of BG was also confirmed in porcine and murine macrophages. These results suggested that BG have effects on type I IFNs with antiviral property involved in Dectin-1. In piglets, oral or injected immunization with BG and PRV vaccine could significantly elevated the level of PRV-specific IgG and type I IFNs. And it also increased the antibody levels of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine and classical swine fever vaccine that were later immunized, indicating a broad-spectrum effect on improving vaccine immunity. On the premise that the cost was greatly reducing, the immunological effect of oral was better than injection administration. Our findings highlighted that BG induced type I IFNs related antiviral effect against PRV involved in Dectin-1 and potential application value as a feed additive to help control the spread of PRV and future emerging viruses.

Attenuation of inflammatory bowel disease by oral administration of mucoadhesive polydopamine-coated yeast β-glucan via ROS scavenging and gut microbiota regulation

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is challenging since current anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies do not address the underlying causes of the illness, which include increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysbiosis of the gut commensal microbiota. Additionally, these treatments often have systemic off-target effects and adverse side effects. In this study, we have developed a prebiotic yeast β-glucan nanocomplex coated with bio-adhesive polydopamine (YBNs@PDA) to effectively prolong their retention time in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The oral administration of YBNs@PDA restored the epithelium barriers, reduced ROS levels, and minimized systemic drug exposure while improved therapeutic efficacy in an acute colitis mouse model. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal RNA genes sequencing demonstrated a higher richness and diversity in gut microflora composition following the treatments. In particular, YBNs@PDA markedly augmented the abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and Bifidobacterium, both of which are probiotics with crucial roles in relieving colitis via retaining gut homeostasis. Cumulatively, these results demonstrate that the potential of YBNs@PDA as a novel drug-free, ROS-scavenging and gut microbiota regulation nanoplatform for the treatment of GI disorders.

Conversion of β-1,6-Glucans to Gentiobiose using an endo-β-1,6-Glucanase PsGly30A from Paenibacillus sp. GKG.

A plethora of di- and oligosaccharides isolated from the natural sources are used in food and pharmaceutical industry. An enzymatic hydrolysis of fungal cell wall β-glucans is a good alternative to produce the desired oligosaccharides with different functionalities, such as the flavour enhancer gentiobiose. We have previously identified PsGly30A as a potential yeast cell wall degrading β-1,6-glycosidase. The aim of this study is to characterise the PsGly30A enzyme, a member of the GH30 family, and to evaluate its suitability for the production of gentiobiose from β-1,6-glucans. An endo-β-1,6-glucanase PsGly30A encoding gene from Paenibacillus sp. GKG has been cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme has been active towards pustulan and yeast β-glucan, but not on laminarin from the Laminaria digitata, confirming the endo-β-1,6-glucanase mode of action. The PsGly30A shows the highest activity at pH 5.5 and 50 °C. The specific activity of PsGly30A on pustulan (1262±82 U/mg) is among the highest reported for GH30 β-1,6-glycosidases. Moreover, gentiobiose is the major reaction product when pustulan, yeast β-glucan or yeast cell walls have been used as a substrate. Therefore, PsGly30A is a promising catalyst for valorisation of the yeast-related by-products.

Influence of Plant-Based Structuring Ingredients on Physicochemical Properties of Whey Ice Creams

The dairy industry is actively seeking new applications for various types of whey. One promising direction is the development of nutritious ice cream, using a blend of different whey proteins. However, the production of whey ice cream is hindered by the occurrence of quality issues, primarily stemming from a low content of solids, particularly fat and protein. The development of natural components with distinctive technological attributes, such as the ability to bind excess moisture, enhance foaming properties, and replicate the taste of milk fat, is of significant relevance in food science. In this work, we investigated the influence of plant-based structuring ingredients on the viscoelastic characteristics of whey-based ice creams. Notably, mixes such as 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 0.75% oat β-glucan, 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 0.5% yeast β-glucan, and 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 3% whey protein complex + 10% vegetable purée from table beet have been proven to be effective stabilizing compositions. However, attempts to combine the whey protein complex with other types of vegetable purées like zucchini and broccoli did not yield satisfactory results. It has also been found that β-glucan from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and κ-carrageenan, a component of the Vianoks C45 stabilization system, forms a robust gel within the system. Analysis of the aqueous phase in whey-based ice creams revealed a consistent correlation between water activity, surface tension, and rheological behavior. Finally, the ice creams that exhibited the best viscoelastic characteristics also had the best sensory attributes.

Modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers and lysosomal functioning in gills and liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) fed a diet supplemented with yeast β-glucans

Modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers and lysosomal functioning in gills and liver of rainbow trout (<i>Oncorhynchus mykiss</i> Walbaum) fed a diet supplemented with yeast β-glucans

Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1285 combined with yeast β-glucan alleviates the gut microbiota and metabolic disturbances in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a self-limiting condition that can occur during antibiotic therapy. Our previous studies have found that a combination of Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium adolescentis can effectively alleviate AAD. However, the use of B. uniformis is still strictly limited. Therefore, this study attempted to use yeast β-glucan to enrich the abundance of B. uniformis in the intestine and supplement Bifidobacterium adolescentis to exert a synergistic effect. The lincomycin hydrochloride-induced AAD model was administered yeast β-glucan or a mixture of B. adolescentis CCFM1285 by gavage for one week. Subsequently, changes in the colonic histopathological structure, inflammatory factors, intestinal epithelial permeability and integrity, metabolites, and gut microbiota diversity were assessed. We found that yeast β-glucan, alone or in combination with B. adolescentis CCFM1285, can help attenuate systemic inflammation, increase the rate of tissue structural recovery, regulate metabolism, and restore the gut microbiota. Specifically, the combination of yeast β-glucan and B. adolescentis CCFM1285 was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 levels, improving pathological changes in the colon, and upregulating occludin expression. Therefore, our study showed that the combination of yeast β-glucan and B. adolescentis CCFM1285 is an efficacious treatment for AAD.

Fabrication of yeast β-glucan/sodium alginate/γ-polyglutamic acid composite particles for hemostasis and wound healing.

Particles with a porous structure can lead to quick hemostasis and provide a good matrix for cell proliferation during wound healing. Recently, many particle-based wound healing materials have been clinically applied. However, these products show good hemostatic ability but with poor wound healing ability. To solve this problem, this study fabricated APGG composite particles using yeast β-glucan (obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), sodium alginate, and γ-polyglutamic acid as the starting materials. The structure of yeast β-glucan was modified with many carboxymethyl groups to obtain carboxymethylated β-glucan, which could coordinate with Ca2+ ions to form a crosslinked structure. A morphology study indicated that the APGG particles showed an irregular spheroidal structure with a low density (<0.1 g cm-3) and high porosity (>40%). An in vitro study revealed that the particles exhibited a low BCI value, low hemolysis ratio, and good cytocompatibility against L929 cells. The APGG particles could quickly stop bleeding in a mouse liver injury model and exhibited better hemostatic ability than the commercially available product Celox. Furthermore, the APGG particles could accelerate the healing of non-infected wounds, and the expression levels of CD31, α-SMA, and VEGF related to angiogenesis were significantly enhanced.

Regulation of baking quality and starch digestibility in whole wheat bread based on β-glucans and protein addition strategy: Significance of protein-starch-water interaction in dough

Whole wheat bread has high nutritional value but is characterized by inferior quality and a high glycemic index. Studies have shown that adding β-glucans and protein can improve bread quality. This study investigated the effects of added oat β-glucan, barley β-glucan, or yeast β-glucan on protein synergy and whole wheat dough and bread quality. The mixing properties, rheological properties, and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the addition of β-glucan promoted the formation of gluten networks, while the synergy between the wheat proteins and β-glucan resulted in a more robust and stable gluten network and a stronger physical starch envelope. Rapid visco-analysis and thermal property evaluations showed that β-glucan addition inhibited the thermal degradation, gelatinization, and retrogradation of starch. Based on the bread quality results, it was found the β-glucan could cause some damage to the bread baking quality. For example, the hardness of samples with oats, barley, and yeast increased to 881.69 g, 952.97 g, and 631.75 g, respectively, compared to samples without β-glucan (317.49 g), whereas the inclusion of yeast β-glucan proved to be less detrimental. Protein and β-glucan both reduced starch digestion to some degree, and showed better synergistic effects, with the lowest estimated glycemic index of 70.08 observed in bread containing added yeast β-glucan and protein. Therefore, yeast β-glucan and protein mixtures could be selected as viable formulations for enhancing the quality of whole wheat bread.

Effects of Dietary Yeast β-Glucan on Lactating Sows under Heat Stress

Effects of Dietary Yeast β-Glucan on Lactating Sows under Heat Stress