Beta-glucan: An overview in biological activities, derivatives, properties, modifications and current advancements in food, health and industrial applications

Abstract

β-glucans have garnered significant attention due to their numerous health-promoting and prebiotic attributes. β-glucans, a group of bioactive substance, are known to have biological effects such as immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-senescence, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties. Owing to its unique physical characteristics including its solubility, viscosity and gelation, the food industry and other sectors have witnessed a rise in the utilization of β-glucan. This study aims to present an overview of β-glucan manufacturing technologies, including extraction, isolation, and purification methods from different sources, comprising of bacteria, fungi and plants such as cereals, with the intention of enhancing these techniques for more productive manufacturing procedures. Additionally, β-glucans' physical characteristics, chemical alterations, prospective industrial uses, and future application prospects in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other potentially value-added product are outlined research suggest that β-glucans will become more significant in the global food and health sectors in the future.