Extraction of beta glucans from mushrooms

Abstract

Over the last few years, interest has grown in the production of edible films and coatings made from various carbohydrates. These coatings and films have various functions: inhibit the migration and accession of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, aromas, lipids and other substances to food products, also they can extend the shelf life of food products and improve their quality and mechanical properties. Mushrooms have long been used in cuisine and medicine. They are known as a source of vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are rich in micronutrients (potassium, zinc, etc.), D, PP and B vitamins, amino acids. They also contain glucan molecules that provide well immune function. Glucans are polysaccharides made up of glucose monomers linked by glycosidic bonds. Glucans are found in the walls of plants, bacteria, fungi and protozoa cells. Glucan is present in many different forms, each of which is different in its biological activity. The most commonly found type of glucans is beta glucans, a heterogeneous group of natural polysaccharides, mainly investigated for their immune response. The positive effect of beta glucans on immunity was observed in humans, invertebrates and rodents. Studies have shown that beta glucans have anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumor, cholesterol and body weight loss effects. In this study, glucans were extracted from low-cost non-toxic cosmopolitan mushrooms species using three different methods. The extraction methods have been compared and the quantity of glucans was calculated.