Patent ID: 6426201
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: A21D,A23G,A23K,A23L,A61K,A61P,A61Q,C08B,C12C

Abstract:
A process for obtaining &bgr;-glucan, having a lower average molecular weight than in its native state, from cereal comprising:mixing the cereal with water to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of &bgr;-glucan and a solid residue such that the &bgr;-glucan is partially hydrolysed by one or more enzymes present with the cereal prior to mixing to give a &bgr;-glucan having a lower average molecular weight than in its native state, separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue, cooling the aqueous solution to a temperature below 10Â° C. so that a &bgr;-glucan gel forms; and recovering the &bgr;-glucan from the aqueous solution, wherein the process excludes any positive step of deactivation of the one or more enzymes.