Source and Multi-Industry Applications of β-Dextran

Seebio's β-Dextran, as an immune-enhancing dietary fiber component, has gained significant attention. In addition to boosting the body's immune function, β-Dextran can increase the fiber content of food, reduce the use of sugar and fat while maintaining the original texture and taste, meeting the demands of a healthy diet. With the growing awareness of health and focus on functional ingredients, the demand for β-Dextran is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.

β-Dextran is a natural dietary fiber composed of glucose monomers linked together in a polysaccharide chain. It is found in various plants and microorganisms, including grains, fungi, algae, and more. Depending on the source, the structure and functions of β-Dextran can vary. β-Dextran possesses various bioactivities, including immune regulation, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-aging, radiation protection, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar reduction, and blood lipid reduction, among others. It has found extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, food additives, cosmetics, and animal feed.

The advantages of β-Dextran in regulating food texture and taste, reducing the use of sugar and fat, align with the demand for a healthy diet. With the increasing health consciousness and attention to functional ingredients, the demand for β-Dextran is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Several countries, including the United States, Canada, Finland, Sweden, China, Japan, and South Korea, have already approved β-Dextran as an effective immune activator, earning it the reputation of a "golden substance" in the field of immunity. β-Dextran activates immune cells by binding to receptors, promotes the production of cytokines, increases antibody levels, activates the complement system, thereby enhancing the body's resistance to foreign pathogens and microbial invasion, and promoting tissue repair.

β-Dextran from different sources, such as grains, yeast, bacteria, algae, and plants, all play important roles in immune regulation. These characteristics include blood sugar and lipid reduction, maintaining intestinal health, enhancing immune function, and improving food properties.

β-Dextran from grain sources, such as barley, oats, and rye, is composed of glucose units linked by β-1,3 or β-1,4-glucosidic bonds. Its main functions include lowering blood sugar and lipids, as well as maintaining intestinal health. The β-Dextran in rice belongs to non-starch polysaccharides, which can hinder the digestion and absorption of starch, proteins, and other substances, regulate blood sugar and lipids, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, β-Dextran in rice can regulate immunity, enhance macrophage activity, and phagocytic capacity.

In China, oat β-Dextran was approved in 2014 for use as a new food ingredient. Furthermore, oat β-Dextran has obtained GRAS certification from the U.S. FDA. In the European Union, β-Dextran from oats and barley has been approved as a new food ingredient, with a health claim stating, "may reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, contributing to the reduction of postprandial blood glucose rise." Oat β-Dextran can be used in various common foods and is suitable for addition to meal replacement products such as cereal bars and shakes due to its prebiotic effects and enhanced satiety.

β-Dextran from Yeast and Fungi Sources:

β-Dextran derived from yeast and Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane mushroom) is connected through β-1,3- and β-1,6-glucose linkages, while Ganoderma spore uses β-1,3-, β-1,4-, and β-1,6-glucose linkages. Their primary function is to enhance immune function. Yeast β-Dextran is present in the yeast cell wall and is insoluble in water. It can bind to specific receptors, enter the lymphatic system through phagocytosis, and thus play an immunoregulatory role. Yeast β-Dextran can specifically bind to macrophages, stimulate and activate immune factors, enhancing immune function.

In 2010, China approved β-Dextran from brewing yeast as a new food ingredient, and in 2012, β-Dextran from baker's yeast was approved as a nutritional fortifier for use in infant formula and children's milk powder. Yeast β-Dextran and β-Dextran from black yeast have received GRAS certification from the U.S. FDA. Additionally, β-Dextran from Ganoderma mycelium has also obtained GRAS certification. The European Union has also approved yeast β-Dextran as a new food ingredient.

As an important functional food ingredient, yeast β-Dextran has been widely used in functional foods and dietary supplements to enhance immunity. Moreover, yeast β-Dextran has the ability to improve the water retention, stability, and emulsification of food. Therefore, it can be used as a fat substitute in dairy products, meat products, baked goods, and other foods.

β-1,3/α-1,3-Dextran is a novel water-soluble extracellular polysaccharide primarily derived from sucrose through the fermentation, alcohol precipitation, filtration, separation, drying, and grinding processes involving Poria cocos. It consists of a linear chain structure formed by 7 β-1,3-glycosidic bonds and 2 α-1,3-glycosidic bonds, with over 75% of the structure comprised of β-1,3 bonds. Compared to traditional β-Dextrans, β-1,3/α-1,3-Dextran exhibits better water solubility, is colorless, tasteless, highly stable, and has better processing performance, making it suitable for addition to various foods and beverages. Additionally, it has higher activity and immune-enhancing properties.

Research indicates that β-1,3/α-1,3-Dextran has multifaceted functions, including regulating gut microbiota, repairing intestinal mucosa, enhancing immunity, promoting bowel movements, lowering blood sugar and lipids, alleviating fatigue, and repairing liver damage. These findings highlight β-1,3/α-1,3-Dextran as a potent functional ingredient.

Applications of β-Dextran in the Food, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic Industries

Blood Sugar Regulation: β-Dextran has demonstrated blood sugar-lowering effects, potentially by repairing damaged pancreatic islet B cells and reducing the absorption of exogenous glucose. Additionally, it possesses functions such as antioxidation, intestinal mucosal protection, and lipid reduction. These studies provide a theoretical basis for the application of β-Dextran in the field of blood sugar regulation.

Food Additives: β-Dextran has extensive potential applications in the field of food additives, serving as fillers, thickeners, water-retaining agents, binding agents, and emulsion stabilizers. Research is focused on exploring new applications of β-Dextran in foods and its nutritional and health benefits.

Bread Making:In bread production, β-Dextran can improve the texture, increase volume, enhance hardness and chewiness, delay bread aging, and reduce the glycemic index. In other foods such as baked goods, yogurt, and meat products, β-Dextran also plays a role in improving texture and functionality.

Pharmaceutical Industry Applications

β-Dextran holds vast application potential in pharmaceutical research, playing a role in tumor immunotherapy, vaccine development, and potentially in the diagnosis of fungal infections.

Tumor Immunotherapy: In tumor immunotherapy, β-Dextran can initiate cytotoxic reactions by recognizing iC3b on the surface of tumors, acting as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance immune effects. It activates immune cells suppressed by tumors, regulates the expression of tumor-related genes, and exerts anti-tumor effects.

Cosmetic Industry Applications

Biological Activity and Skin Regeneration: β-Dextran exhibits significant biological activity, penetrating the skin and activating Langerhans cells. This activation promotes the production of cytokines, growth factors, and vascular endothelial growth factors, leading to skin repair, regeneration, and reduction of wrinkles.

Outstanding Moisturizing Properties:β-Dextran showcases excellent moisturizing capabilities, quickly achieving water-locking and moisturizing functions, surpassing traditional moisturizers. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, contributing to the reduction of skin issues.

Versatile Potential in Cosmetic Development:In cosmetic research and development, β-Dextran demonstrates broad potential. Its biological activity enables multiple skincare benefits, coupled with powerful moisturizing capabilities, making it suitable for various skincare products.

Application in Hair Care and Body Care Products: The characteristics of β-Dextran also make it suitable for use in shampoos, conditioners, and body care products. It can provide additional nourishment and moisture, repairing dry and rough skin or scalp, and improving related issues.

Future research directions include further exploring the biological activity mechanisms of β-Dextran, optimizing its application in cosmetics, and combining it with other ingredients such as plant extracts to enhance efficacy.

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