Isolation and Characterization of β -D-Glucan from Yeast and its In Vitro Biological Study

Abstract

In many microorganisms, fungi and algae, β-D-glucan can be found as cell wall polysaccharide. Various publications describe the strong positive influence of these glucans on the immune system comprising antibacterial, woundhealing and antitumor activities. Recently, it was found that β-D-glucan from the yeast Saccharomyces cervisiae also exhibit antioxidative capabilities. In the present study, the β-D-glucan was isolated from the cell wall of yeast and it is characterized by chromatographic, spectroscopic method and also studied for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Subsequently, β-D-glucan was isolated from the cell wall of yeast and was analyzed by HPTLC, IR, and LCMS. The antioxidant activity was determined by four methods, namely DPPH, Nitric Oxide, H₂O₂ and ABTS methods. The antibacterial activity against two G(+ ve) and G(− ve), and also the antifungal activity were also determined. The results show significant differences in the glucan content of the cell walls and it shows potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.