title: Preparation of microparticulate beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for use in immune potentiation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a method for the preparation of an immunologically active, homogeneous, nonaggregated, microparticulate beta-glucan-containing material from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using a combination of sonication and spray-drying, a homogeneous preparation of 1-2-mu diameter beta-glucan-containing particles was made from alkali- and acid-insoluble yeast cell wall material. This microparticulate beta-glucan remained in suspension longer and, following oral administration at 0.1 mg kg(-1) for 14 d, enhanced phagocytosis of mouse peritoneal macrophages significantly better than did aggregated beta-glucan particles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A new sonication and spray-drying method can be employed to overcome the problem of aggregation of beta-glucan microparticles in aqueous media.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A microparticulate form of beta-glucan that remains in suspension longer for pharmaceutical applications and has superior immune potentiation characteristics has been developed.
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D005936:Glucans / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000737:chemistry*; D013010:Sonication
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D005936:Glucans; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic