Red yeast as an alternative beta-glucan source

abstract

English

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides known for their diverse biological activities, particularly their immunostimulatory properties, making them promising candidates for various therapeutic applications. The primary focus has been on beta-glucans derived from mushrooms. However, yeast could serve as a viable alternative offering several advantages, including higher and more consistent yields and simpler extraction processes. Four carotenogenic yeast strains from the Cystofilobasidium and Rhodotorula genera were evaluated as a potential source of beta- glucans. The cultivation process was optimized in terms of cultivation temperature and C/N ratio. Moreover, chemical stress factors were introduced into the culture medium, specifically tannic acid and sodium chloride, which were able to further enhance the beta-glucan content. Effect of these conditions was simultaneously determined on other metabolites, such as lipids or carotenoids. For the isolation process of beta-glucans, the alkali-acid extraction method with milder conditions and subsequent removal of the lipid content using organic solvents, proved to be the most promising. Finally, the bioactive triple-helical conformation of beta-glucan extracts was verified using Congo red dye. This research contributes to a more thorough understanding of the cultivation conditions of red yeast and possible isolation methods leading to a high yield of biologically active beta-glucans.

carotenogenic yeast, beta-glucans, production characteristics, isolation

GERSPITZEROVÁ, N.; HOLUB, J.; SNIEGOŇOVÁ, P.; OBRAČAJ, J.; ŠPAČKOVÁ, D.; MÁROVÁ, I.

22. 1. 2025

Sciendo

2564-615X

The EuroBiotech Journal

9

1

Republic of Italy

47

47

1