From red yeast to functional compounds: β-glucan isolation from Rhodotorula toruloides

abstract

English

β-glucans are polysaccharides known for their diverse biological activities, particularly their immunostimulatory properties, making them promising candidates for various therapeutic applications. While mushrooms have traditionally been the primary source of these compounds, yeast could serve as a viable alternative source offering several advantages, including higher and more consistent yields and simpler extraction processes. Despite these advantages, the production and optimization of yeast-derived β-glucans, particularly from non-conventional strains, remains underexplored. In this study, several isolation methods of β-glucans from the yeast strain Rhodotorula toruloides were assessed. Namely, alkali-acid extraction with either harsher or milder conditions with or without subsequent lipid removal using organic solvents. The glucan content was determined using an enzymatic assay kit. The bioactive triple-helical conformation of β-glucan extracts was verified using Congo red staining. The most effective method combined mild alkali-acid treatment with lipid removal. The total polysaccharide content reached up to 64 % (w/w) of which 78 % accounted for β-glucans. The organic solvent step was able to remove 96 % of the present lipids. Furthermore, it was proven that the final β-glucan extract retained its native triple-helical structure. Overall, this research contributes to a more thorough understanding of possible isolation methods of glucans in red yeast, leading to a high yield while preserving their native bioactive tertiary structure.

red yeast; beta-glucans; isolation

GERSPITZEROVÁ, N.; HOLUB, J.; MIKULÍKOVÁ, R.; MÁROVÁ, I.

13. 5. 2025

Slovenská republika

1336-4839

34th Annual Conference on Yeasts, Book of abstracts

Slovak Republic

52

52

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