A proton nuclear magnetic resonance method for the quantitative analysis on a dry weight basis of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans in a complex, solvent-wet matrix.
Health benefits of the polysaccharide (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, reported to induce immunobiological, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic effects in humans and animals, have made the isolation, characterization, and assay of a viable glucan product critical. A new analytical method, based on internal standard proton NMR analysis, for the assay of solvent-wet samples containing (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is presented. The method enables glucan identification, provides a solvent-free assay, and improves upon the previous multistep extraction and lyophilization procedure by reducing the 1-2 day analysis time to 1-2 h. NMR offers a rapid method for quantifying the glucan in commercial samples, such as nutraceuticals, as well as industrial samples enabling better evaluation of the efficacy of these carbohydrates in health-related applications.
Lowman
D W
DW
Global Analytical Services, Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee 37662-5150, USA. dwlowman@eastman.com
Williams
D L
DL
D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005936:Glucans / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water
D005936:Glucans; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water