BRANCHED -GLUCAN, -GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE PRODUCING THE SAME, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME AND USE THEREOF

摘要

The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ±-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows:
(1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4;
(2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates;
(3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and
(4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ±-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ±-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.