Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing solubility-reduced, beta-glucan containing products and uses thereof as raw materials in aqueous fractionation to produce starch and beta-glucan concentrates. The present invention extends to foods containing the solubility-reduced, beta-glucan products, and the starch and beta-glucan concentrates obtained by the described method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to beta-glucan compositions having a honeycomb structure and the uses of the compositions as encapsulating agents.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method for fractionating plant material into valuable components including beta-glucan. The method uses an organic solvent and water instead of water alone, acidified water and/or aqueous alkali as a solvent for the slurrying of a grain flour. In addition to concentrating beta-glucan, other product fractions produced by the method include starch concentrate, and organic solvent solubles. If enzyme treatments are used, other product fractions include dextrin, protein hydrolysates and organic solvent solubles. The process is particularly effective in concentrating beta-glucans in a state close to its native form from the endosperm of barley and oat grains.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.