The effects of various carbon sources and their initial concentrations on mycelia production by Hericium erinaceum were investigated by determining the dry cell weight (DCW) and β-glucan content of mycelia in submerged culture. Glucose and xylose were superior carbon sources for promoting mycelial growth resulting in mycelial concentrations of 3.99 g/L and 4.01 g/L, respectively; glucose was th...

β-Glucans are known for their ability to trigger both protective and damaging immune responses. Here we have explored the role of the beta-glucan receptor Dectin-1 in archetypical models of protective and non-protective immunomodulation induced by beta-glucan rich ligands. In the first model, we explored the role of Dectin-1 in the ability of soluble purified β-glucans to mediate protection aga...

1, 3β -D-Glucan is a natural polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of bakers yeast saccharomyces cerevsiae with immunoenhancing and potent antioxidant effects. This study investigated the pathways through which β-glucan gavage treatment (50mg/kg) exerts its effect on radiation-induced oxidative damage in male rats. ß-glucan was given orally to male rats; 3 hours post γ-irradiation at dose ...

Mushroom polysaccharides are edible polymers that have numerous reported biological functions; the most common effects are attributed to β-glucans. In recent years, it became apparent that the less abundant α-glucans also possess potent effects in various health conditions. Here we explore several Pleurotus species for their total, β and α-glucan content. Pleurotus eryngii was found to have the...

The threat of nuclear radiation terrorism has prompted a widespread search for defenses against this menace. Radiation destroys the bone marrow (BM) and depletes the body of white blood cells (WBC or leukocytes) that defend against infection and disease. In this immune-weakened state, the body is more susceptible to infection and may become overwhelmed before the immune system has time to recov...

Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental mold that causes severe, often fatal invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. The search for new antifungal drug targets is critical, and the synthesis of the cell wall represents a potential area to find such a target. Embedded within the main β-1,3-glucan core of the A. fumigatus cell wall is a mixed linkage, β-D-(1,3;1,4)-glucan. The role o...

Interactions between polyphenols and dietary fiber might play an important role in <br /> polyphenol bioactivities. These interactions can be studied through adsorption processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic acids (p-coumaric acid, caffeic chlorogenic acid) onto – β-glucan. Adsorption carried out at different temperatures (25, 37, 45 °C) pH values (1.5, 5.5, 10)....

Oat β-Glucans were studied for their immunological impact before and after enzymatic digestion in order to enhance the efficacy of oat β-Glucans for application in functional foods. Oat β-Glucan is reported to have minimal impact compared to its fungal counterpart in vitro. Digestion with endo-glucanase enhanced its efficacy towards stimulating MCP-1, RANTES, IL-8, and IL-4 production in human ...

To test possible dietary immune modulators, 32 crossbred male pigs were given 1 of 4 dietary treatments (8 pigs/treatment): control, Saccharomyces cerevisiae with β-glucan (Energy Plus, Natural Chem Industries LTD, Houston, TX; 0.312 g/kg of BW, 2.5% of diet), vitamin C (Stay C 35, DSM Nutritional Products Inc., Prisippany, NJ; 75 ppm), or β-glucan plus vitamin C together (combination; 0.312 g/...

Glucan synthases synthesize glucans, complex polysaccharides that are the major components in fungal cell walls and division septa. Studying regulation of glucan synthases is important as they are essential for fungal cell survival and thus popular targets for anti-fungal drugs. Linear 1,3-β-glucan is the main component of primary septum and is synthesized by the conserved β-glucan synthase Bgs...