Chemical oxidation of beta-glucan in aqueous systems; oxidation pathways, oxidation products and product functionality

Our main aim is to investigate the chemical oxidation of mixed linked beta-glucans. This objective is divided into three sub aims; characterisation of the oxidation pathways, characterisation of oxidative products and characterisation of the physical and functional properties of oxidized mixed linked beta-glucan molecules. There is a great need to understand the chemical reactions of beta-glucan degradation, since they control the functional properties of beta-glucan in foods both technologically and physiologically, and thus contribute to the health effects and to the health claim regulation. The science behind the functional properties of beta-glucan is a challenge and it is the target of this project to clarify this field in terms of the oxidation reactions and oxidation products of this molecule.