Beta-glucan that is greater than 2% soluble when mixed with water below 50 degrees celsius and forms a gel

摘要

Beta-glucan that is cold-water soluble and capable of forming a gel is described. The solubility is greater than 2% by weight in water at a temperature below approximately 50OC. Also described is a process for preparing the â-glucan by recovering the â-glucan from an aqueous solution containing it before any gelation of the solution begins to occur. The use of the â-glucan for treating various disorders or diseases, and other uses including in foods and as an edible film is also described.