Method for concentrating .beta.-glucan
US6323338A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08B37/0003
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An entirely aqueous method for concentrating beta-glucan from a beta-glucan source, such as milled cereal bran, grain or distiller's dried grain. The method comprises providing an alkaline aqueous extract of a beta-glucan source; acidifying or neutralizing the extract and heating the extract to between about 60.degree. C. and 100.degree. C.; cooling the extract, whereby a flocculate is formed; acidifing the cooled extract if the extract was neutralized; and removing the flocculate from the aqueous solution to form an intermediate solution. The intermediate solution may be subjected to ultrafiltration for further purification of beta-glucan, or may be evaporated, resulting in formation of a solid film enriched in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has cholesterol-lowering properties and is a topical immunostimulant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.