A new method to obtain [small beta]-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

In this work, a simple method was developed to increase cell wall porosity and to achieve partial hydrolysis of [small beta]-glucan. First, the cells were permeabilized using ethanol under agitation. Then the cells were treated with glass beads to increase cell wall porosity and subjected to an enzymatic treatment to degrade glycogen at 65 [degree]C for 30 minutes. Finally, the cells were incubated at 57 [degree]C for 2 hours to partially degrade [small beta]-glucan. Whole cells, permeabilized cells and permeabilized cells with partially hydrolyzed [small beta]-glucan were evaluated by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. From the images of permeabilized cells with partially hydrolyzed [small beta]-glucan it was possible to visualize structures named "ghosts", which are alike along microcapsules containing [small beta]-glucan. These structures can be used to aggregate [small beta]-glucan in food industrialized products.