β-D-Glucan

Scheme 1-The qualitative analysis of (1,3)-β-D-glucan

Qualitative analysis of unpurified (1,3)-β-D-glucan samples was conducted using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and HPLC-GPC with laser light scattering. The (1,3)-β-D-glucan sample was mixed with endotoxin testing water and heated in a water bath at 95-100°C for 2.5-3.5 hours, with intermittent shaking every 20-25 minutes. Each shaking session lasted 2-5 minutes with a shaking speed of 100-200 rpm. After heating, the mixture was cooled to 20-25°C, centrifuged at 2500-3500 rpm for 5-15 minutes, and the supernatant was collected to obtain the (1,3)-β-D-glucan solution, which contained 40-60% (1,3)-β-D-glucan sample and 40-60% endotoxin testing water by weight percentage. The (1,3)-β-D-glucan solution was purified using a semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system with a TSKgel G2500PWxl gel column. The mobile phase was endotoxin testing water, with a flow rate of 0.5-1 mL/min, an injection volume of 98-102 μL, and a column temperature of 75-82°C. Fractions with retention times of 15-25 minutes were collected during purification. After purification, the collected fractions were freeze-dried to obtain (1,3)-β-D-glucan standard material. The freeze-drying parameters were: freezing at -80 to -20°C and vacuum freeze-drying at 5-10 Pa for 20-30 hours.

Case Study 1-β-D-Glucan Inhibition of Pulmonary Surfactant: Mechanisms and SP-A Protection

Pulmonary fungal infections damage the endogenous pulmonary surfactant system. However, the molecular mechanism underlying surfactant inhibition is not yet clear. β-D-Glucan, a major component of pathogenic fungal cell walls, is also present in organic dust, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the interaction of this D-glucopyranose polymer with pulmonary surfactant. The results show that β-D-glucan inhibited the surface adsorption, respreading, and surface tension-lowering activity of surfactant preparations containing surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data support a new mechanism of surfactant inhibition, where β-D-glucan extracts phospholipid molecules from surfactant membranes, leading to increased membrane fluidity, as demonstrated by fluorescence anisotropy, and reduced transition temperature (Tm) and transition enthalpy. Surfactant preparations containing surfactant protein A (SP-A) exhibited higher resistance to β-D-glucan inhibition. SP-A bound to various β-D-glucans with high affinity (Kd = 1.5 ± 0.1 nM), preventing and reversing the inhibitory effects of β-D-glucan on surfactant interfacial adsorption, and partially mitigating its effects on surfactant reduction of surface tension. We conclude that β-D-glucan inhibits the biophysical function of surfactant preparations lacking SP-A by removing phospholipids from surfactant bilayers and monolayers. The increased resistance of SP-A-containing surfactant preparations to β-D-glucan further supports its use in surfactant replacement therapy.

Case Study 2-β-D-Glucan-Enhanced Graphene Oxide for Targeted CpG ODNs Delivery

Immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) show strong potential in cancer immunotherapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CpG ODNs is hindered by rapid nuclease degradation and insufficient cellular uptake. Transfecting CpG ODNs into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is crucial for enhancing their therapeutic efficacy and reducing potential side effects. In this study, a multifunctional CpG ODNs vector was developed by functionalizing graphene oxide (GO) with yeast β-D-glucan, and its potential in cancer immunotherapy was further investigated. GO-β-D-glucan protected CpG ODNs from nuclease digestion. β-D-glucan endowed the delivery system with targeting ability for macrophages due to its interaction with dectin-1. Consequently, GO-β-D-glucan enhanced the delivery of CpG ODNs into RAW264.7 cells via dectin-1-mediated endocytosis. More importantly, β-D-glucan synergistically functioned with CpG ODNs in inducing antitumor immunity. GO-β-D-glucan/CpG ODNs more effectively inhibited tumor cell growth. This work provides a macrophage-targeted CpG ODNs delivery system for cancer immunotherapy.

β-D-Glucan is an important polysaccharide found widely in plants, fungi, yeast, bacteria, and some marine organisms.

Immune Regulation: β-D-Glucan has immune-modulating effects. It can activate immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells, thereby enhancing the body's immune response.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties: In certain cases, β-D-Glucan shows potential antibacterial and antiviral properties, particularly in combating specific pathogens.

Dietary Fiber: β-D-Glucan, as a type of dietary fiber, plays a positive role in improving gut health and promoting digestion. It can help lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.

Functional Foods: β-D-Glucan is often added to health foods and beverages as a component to boost immunity or increase fiber content.

Skin Repair: In cosmetics, β-D-Glucan is used as a moisturizer and skin repair agent. It can help reduce skin inflammation, enhance the skin barrier function, and improve skin texture.

Anti-Aging: Its antioxidant properties make it useful in anti-aging products, helping to slow down the skin aging process.

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