Sensorial Evaluation and Physical Chemical Characterization of a Beverage Based on Whey and β-Glucans as a Potential Prevention of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Whey and B-glucans are functional food ingredients that contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The objective of the study was to develop a functional beverage based on whey, B-glucans, and blackberry concentrate for the prevention of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, determining its sensory, physicochemical, and nutritional qualities. The following phases were developed: 1) formulation with 75%, 85%, and 90% whey and 25%, 15%, and 10% blackberry concentrate, with a fixed amount of 0.243 g β-glucans in 100 ml;2) microbiological analysis to ensure the safety of the beverage;3) sensory analysis with untrained panelists to assess the degree of preference (appearance, color, odor, flavor, viscosity, acidity, sweetness), and general acceptance, with a seven-point hedonic scale to rate the level of acceptability;4) physicochemical and nutritional characterization of the beverage with the highest acceptance. An experimental design using complete random blocks was employed. Data analysis was performed with variance (ANDEVA) and mean DUNCAN separation at a 95% confidence level, using SAS®. A correlation study was conducted on acceptance analysis. A nutritional label was developed for the control beverage and the treatment with the highest acceptance. The formulation with 75% whey, 25% blackberry concentrate, and 0.243 g of β-glucan obtained the highest acceptance, with flavor and sweetness being the attributes that contributed to its acceptance. Nutritionally, the beverage with 80 cal, would be considered fortified with fiber (2 g), free of cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat, according to the Central American Technical Regulation on Nutritional Labeling (Version 67.01.60:10). It is recommended that the effect of this beverage be measured to determine the benefits.

STRUCTURE,MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND BIOACTIVITIES OF(1→3)-β-D-GLUCANS AND ITS SULFATED DERIVATIVES FROM FOUR KINDS OF LENTINUS EDODES

Lentinan samples,(1→3)-β-D-glucans containing 4.6-15.2 wt% proteins,coded as L-I_1 L-I_2 L-I_3 and L-I_4(L-I)were isolated from four kinds of Lentinus edodes.These glucans were treated with acetone to remove the protein in orderto obtain free protein glucans coded as LNP-I_1,LNP-I_2.LNP-I_3 and LNP-I_4(LNP-I).The free-protein polysaccharideswere sulfated to give derivatives(S-LNP-I)with degree of substitution(DS)from 0.4-0.8.The structural features andweight-average molecular weight(M_w)of the samples were investigated by using infrared spectroscopy,elemental analysis,^(13)C-NMR,size exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering(SEC-LLS)and viscometry.The effects ofstructure and conformation of the polysaccharides on antitumor activities were assayed in vivo(Sarcoma 180 solid tumors)and in vitro(Sarcoma 180,HL-60,MCF-7 and Vero tumors).The results indicated that the predominant species of thesamples L-I and LNP-I in 0.2 mol/L NaCl aqueous solution existed as triple-helical chains with high rigidity and in dimethylsulfoxide(DMSO)as single-flexible chains.Interestingly,the antitumor activities of LNP-I are lower than those of the nativeglucans(L-I),whereas their sulfated derivatives have higher inhibition ratio against Sarcoma 180 than LNP-I.The resultsreveal that the binding of protein,sulfated modification and the triple helix conformation are important factors in theenhancement of the antitumor activities of polysaccharides on the whole.

Physico-Chemical Properties of a Water-Insoluble Silk Fibroin Film

The conventional silk fibroin(SF)films obtained by casting from SF aqueous solution are amorphous,and easily dissolved in water.This defect limits the practical use of SF films in biomedical field.A new water-insoluble silk fibroin film(an SF-FA film)could be simply prepared by casting from SF formic acid solution.The physical properties and moisture permeability of SF-FA films were examined.The results show that the SF-FA film swollen in water exhibits outstanding pliability.The weight loss of SF-FA films in water is also very little.The unique physical properties for the SF-FA film in the wet relate to the intrinsic structure of the fibroin film.The cell viability of rat embryo dermal fibroblasts seeded on the control films and the SF-FA films was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.Results show that the optical density(OD)value of the SF-FA film is almost the same as that of the conventional SF film treated with alcohol,therefore,the SF-FA film has good cell compatibility.In addition,the SF-FA film is also a biodegradable material.Because of their good transparency,it is helpful in study of clinical experiment with the SF-FA films.

New possibilities in treatment of chronic urinary tract infections-vaccines, autovaccines and beta glucans

Background:Repeated infections of urinary tract manifest an increasing trend and became the most common infection in developed world.In addition,currently common increase in resistant microbes including uropathogens underlines the need for new ways of urinary tract infection(UTI)treatment.One of the possibilities is vaccination.However,commercially available bacterial vaccines are not always reliable,leading to the proposition of using autovaccines prepared from uropathogens of individual patients.It is a well-known fact that UTIs are often accompanied by depressed immunity.Methods:To respond to both problems,we tried to use yeast-derived,insoluble beta glucans for restoration of depressed immune system and acceleration of the effects of autovaccines.In all patients we repeatedly tested bacterial load in urine.In addition,from the same samples we measured the levels of inflammatory proteins,albumin,orosomukoid,IgA,C-reactive protein.Complex evaluation of inflammatory response and cellular immunity in blood was performed,too.Results:Immediately after application of the first dose we observed significant improvements of clinical conditions which were persistent throughout the entire study.Conclusions:Beta glucan is optimal addition to autovaccines,as it is natural,active,safe and inexpensive.We propose that the possibility to use beta glucans in application of autovaccines is the first step in preparation of qualitative new type of autovaccines against UTI.

Quality and Sensory Properties of Reduced Fat Yoghurt Made with Addition of <i>β</i>-Glucans

β-Glucans, isolated from Pleurotus citrinopileatus mushroom, were used in the manufacture of yoghurt from reduced fat cow milk with added proteins. β-Glucans were added to the milk in the form of a paste containing 1.21% (on a dry weight basis) of β-glucans, such that the final concentrations in the yoghurt were 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. Control yoghurt was also manufactured from the same milk without the addition of β-glucans. The resultant yoghurts were examined for their physicochemical and microbial characteristics, gel formation and sensory properties and compared to the control at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of storage. Results showed that the microbial population, pH, titratable acidity, ash and syneresis were not affected by the addition of different levels of glucans. The lowest fat, total solids and protein contents were recorded in the yoghurt containing 0.5% glucan. The yoghurt containing 0.3% β-glucan had the same viscosity as the control and the yoghurt containing 0.5% β-glucan had the lowest viscosity. Yoghurt with β-glucans received slightly higher scores for flavour, appearance and texture than the control. It was concluded that the incorporation of 0.3% or 0.4% β-glucans isolated from edible mushrooms, into the yoghurt does not affect the final product, which is similar or sensorially even better than the control.

A Review on the Impact of the Plant Bioactive Compound β-Glucans as Phytochemicals for Boosting Human and Animals’ Immune Response—β-Glucans as Immunostimulants

The influence of food and nutrition on health and immunity for both human and animals are being demonstrated. Phytochemicals are natural compounds present in cereals, beans, fruits, vegetable, and other plants, believed to enhance immune response for both human and animals. One of these phytochemicals is β-Glucans that are heterogeneous polysaccharides consisted of branched long chains of D-Glucose units present in cereals such as barley, wheat, and oats, and also present in microbial cell walls for yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and algae. β-Glucans extracted from cereals and mushroom were investigated for their positive impact on immunomodulation for both human and animal health. These β-Glucans proved to enhance immune system for innate response as the first defense against microbial infection, toxins, and self-tumor cells, and also, enhance adaptive immune that also referred to specific immunity as the second defense in response to antigen-specific lymphocytes against microbial infection, toxins, and self-tumor cells.

β-Glucans: Characterization, Extraction Methods, and Valorization

β-glucans are bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Due to their specific physical properties, such as (in)solubility, viscosity, and gelation, β-glucans are increasingly being used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the different types of β-glucans, their sources, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts, and the methods of extraction, isolation, and purification of β-glucans, with the aim of optimizing these methods for the efficient production process. Moreover, the physico-chemical properties, modifications, current applications and future prospects of the use of β-glucans in food, medicines, cosmetics and other potential value-added products are summarized. The data presented indicate that β-glucans will play an increasingly important role in the sector of special-purpose food products as well as in other current and future areas.

The Positive Effects of Proprietary Undenatured B-Glucans on Growing Pigs

Beta-glucan that is typically isolated from the fungi or yeast, by solvent extraction, is a commonly used supplement. However, the solvent extraction of beta-glucan from these sources destroys the tertiary structure of the compound, and reduces the immuno-stimulating efficacy of the denatured beta-glucan when compared to undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG1). The objective of this study was to investigate growth performance of piglets, from weaning, that received diets containing undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG) for the following four weeks (up to an average live weight of 26.4 kg). The study was conducted with 128 Noroc pigs from 24 litters at the experimental pig house of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. There were four dietary treatments;one group was fed a control diet containing no UDBG, three other groups were fed a diet containing 0.02 mg UDBG/kg, 0.2 mg UDBG/kg;or 2.0 mg UDBG/kg. In week 1 - 2, the pigs fed 2.0 mg UDBG per kg of feed gained 12% faster than the control diet. The numerical increase in weight gain during the first period after weaning is indicative of an improved immune status of the piglets fed the higher inclusion levels of the UDBG diets. Additionally, the piglets fed the highest level of UDBG (2.0 mg/kg) were found to have a better viability compared to the other groups, as determined by the Veterinary staff. No clinical problems related to the dietary treatments were observed. The animals revealed good growth and an average daily gain (ADG) for all pigs were 559 g for the overall experimental period. The growth performance was calculated for the two first weeks of the study, the remaining last two weeks of the study, and for the overall four-week experimental period. Significant effects of UDBG on weight gain and feed intake were found during the early weeks, but diminished later in the trial. The addition of UBDG to diets had a significant positive effect on several blood hematological parameters including the index of anisocytis, neutrophilic granulocytes, and lymphocytes. A significant positive linear effect of increasing dietary levels of UBDG was also found for hemoglobin and hematocrit.

The Positive Effects of Proprietary Undenatured β-Glucans on Stressed Marine Life

The safety of beta-glucans, including undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG), has been exhaustively studied over the recent past and has shown to be safe and efficacious in rodents as well as in humans with less than optimal immune systems. As such, we sought to find the effect of UDBG on certainly stressed crustaceans and fish. The survival of shrimp larvae fed the UDBG and other diets was measured on day 16. The diet containing 11.7% UDBG reduced larvae mortality by 18%;which is almost twice as much as the mortality reduced by the MacroGard diet, and up to 19.5% less than a standard Commercial Diet. In an effort to understand how UDBG protects against stressed marine life, UDBG was given to LPS-challenged trout. The UDBG positively influenced the level of transcription of several genes relevant to the immune system and overall health of the trout. The experimental findings indicated that UDBG: 1) modifies inflammatory responses, 2) makes responses more flexible and versatile, 3) protects from cellular stress, and 4) enhances “effector” mechanisms. Importantly, there was no evidence of immune system over-activity.

Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.

Giving Food a Fiber Boost: Adding High Beta-Glucan Ingredient from Barley to Everyday Foods

Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.

Effects of β-Glucan Supplementation on Repairing of Phenol-Induced Vaginal Mucosal Epithelium Damage in Rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of β-glucan on the repair of damaged vaginal mucosa, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the inflammatory factor-6 (IL-6) in vaginal tissues. Methods: Thirty-six adult female specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 phase groups with 12 rats each. Vaginal inflammation rat models were established by injecting phenol gel into the vagina of each rat at a dose of 0.1 ml/100g body weight. After modeling, rats were divided into 4 groups based on different concentrations of the test agent. The control group was injected with 0.5 ml of saline, experimental group A was injected with 0.375 ml saline 0.125 ml β-glucan, experimental group B was injected with 0.25 ml saline 0.25 ml β-glucan, and experimental group C was injected with 0.50 ml β-glucan. The injection sites were selected at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions of the vagina. Rats were sacrificed at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection, and tissue samples were collected from the injection sites and prepared for histological analysis. New blood vessels and fibroblast numbers in the tissues were observed after Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of VEGF and IL-6 in the tissues were measured using quantificational reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Histological examination of vaginal tissue specimens at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection showed that on day 7, there were no significant changes in the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, on days 14 and 28, the experimental groups showed more new blood vessels, macrophages, and fibroblasts with increased activity compared to the control group. The expression levels of VEGF in vaginal tissues were elevated on days 14 and 28 in the experimental groups. The comparison of IL-6 levels in vaginal tissues on day 28 showed that serum IL-6 levels returned to normal, and there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: In the 3 experimental phases, the increase in VEGF levels in vaginal tissues on day 14 post-injection was more pronounced with higher concentrations of β-glucan, and IL-6 levels returned to normal on day 28. β-Glucan can enhance VEGF levels in damaged vaginal tissues, promote the repair of damaged vaginal tissues, and higher concentrations of β-glucan have a better effect.

乳清蛋白-果胶高内相乳液凝胶对低脂再制奶酪的品质影响

以乳清蛋白和果胶、葡聚糖为主要原料,采用酸诱导法制备乳清蛋白-果胶乳液凝胶(whey protein-pectin emulsion gel,WP)和乳清蛋白-葡聚糖乳液凝胶(whey protein-glucan emulsion gel,WG),比较35%、75%分散相体积分数凝胶(分别记为WP35、WG35、WP75、WG75)的功能特性,并进一步探究高内相乳液凝胶作为脂肪替代物在低脂再制奶酪中的代脂效果。结果表明:WP75的平均粒径最小,脂肪分布均匀,蛋白质网络结构稳定。乳液凝胶样品在0.1~10 Hz内弹性模量(G′)和黏性模量(G″)都随油相体积分数的升高呈上升趋势,其中WP75抵抗形变能力、热稳定性及持水性都优于其他样品。样品15%-WP75(添加WP75,脂肪质量分数15%的再制奶酪)油析性减弱,熔化性增强,质构特性与全脂对照无明显差异。研究表明乳清蛋白与果胶制备的高内相乳液凝胶在低脂奶酪产品有较好的脂肪替代效果,在低脂乳制品加工中具有良好的应用潜力。

Glucan对氰化钾致肝细胞损伤的保护作用

目的观察氰化钾对肝细胞的损伤作用和Glucan的干预效果及作用机制。方法体外培养的SD乳鼠肝细胞 ,用氰化钾诱导损伤 ,用Glucan预先处理损伤组 ,观察正常对照组、损伤组、Glucan保护组肝细胞的活性 ,并检测培养上清液中的乳酸脱氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶活性和一氧化氮含量的变化。结果氰化钾可使肝细胞中的乳酸脱氢酶漏出增多 ,同时培养液中超氧化物歧化酶活性降低 ,一氧化氮含量减少 ,预先应用Glucan后 ,可部分逆转这些改变。

蒸汽爆破预处理对猴头菇子实体残渣粗多糖理化性质及调节肠道菌群作用的影响

为了研究蒸汽爆破(Steam Explosion,SE)预处理对猴头菇子实体残渣粗多糖理化性质及调节肠道菌群的影响,以猴头菇水提残渣为原料,采用常规粉碎和蒸汽爆破两种方式进行处理制备获得粗多糖并进行得率、成分含量、单糖组成、分子量及消化和发酵特性的比较。结果显示,经SE处理所得多糖组分(HCQ)的得率、多糖和β-葡聚糖含量分别达到了13.36%、58.20%和47.93%,是常规粉碎处理所得多糖组分(HCW)的2.18、1.57和1.59倍,表明SE能显著(P<0.05)促进残渣中多糖组分的释放。SE还降低了HCQ的分子量并释放出小分子组分,同时提高了单糖组成中的葡萄糖摩尔百分比。在模拟体外人体粪便发酵过程中,与HCW相比,HCQ明显地(P<0.05)提高了有益菌(如厚壁菌门)的丰度和短链脂肪酸的产量,同时降低有害细菌(如埃希氏-志贺氏菌)的丰度,从而有益于机体健康。该研究为蒸汽爆破技术在猴头菇多糖提取中的应用及HCQ多糖作为潜在益生元发挥调节肠道菌群作用提供依据。

Glucan在Con A所致免疫性肝损伤中的作用

目的观察Glucan对刀豆蛋白A(ConA)所致小鼠免疫性肝损伤的干预效果及其作用机制。方法ConA尾静脉注射制备小鼠免疫性肝损伤模型,在ConA注射前1h腹腔注射Glucan,观察正常对照组、ConA损伤组、Glucan/ConA组肝损伤的情况,检测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、α肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)及组织中一氧化氮(NO)含量的变化,并用DNAladder检测肝细胞凋亡的变化。结果ConA尾静脉注射后,出现明显的肝损伤,血清ALT、TNF-α及组织中NO水平明显升高,DNAladder检测可见明显的梯状条带;预先应用Glucan后,可减轻这些改变。结论Glu-can对ConA所致小鼠免疫性肝损伤有保护作用。

白色念珠菌细胞壁不溶性β-葡聚糖(β-glucan)升高白细胞机制的病理学研究

目的:观察白色念珠菌细胞壁不溶性β-葡聚糖(CAIBG)升高小鼠末梢血白细胞与其组织病理学改变之间的关系。方法:140只昆明种小鼠分为空白对照组、阴性对照组、阳性对照组及实验组;除空白对照组外均用CTX造模,再用提取的CAIBG注射于实验组小鼠;所有动物均于实验前、造模后的第1、3天及处死前静脉取血计数外周血白细胞总数;动物处死后称重、计算脾脏、胸腺指数并进行组织病理学检查。结果:实验组白细胞总数明显升高,胸腺指数升高不明显,脾脏指数明显增加;实验组脾脏有髓外造血现象,骨髓增生明显活跃。结论:CAIBG可以通过改善小鼠骨髓的造血功能、刺激小鼠髓外造血而升高其外周血白细胞。

Isolation and Structural Determination of a Glucan from the Spores of Ganoderma lucidum

A water soluble, (1 -->6)-branched, (1 -->4) linked D-glucan (LB-B1), [alpha](D)(21) = +174.2 degrees (c 0.87, H2O), was obtained from a hot-water extract of the sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidun (Fr.) Karst by HPSEC, with 0.001 mol/L sodium hydroxide as the eluant, the molecular weight (Mw) of LB-B1 was estimated to be 9.3 x 10(3). From the results of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, acetolysis and 1D, 2D-NMR experimentation, it was concluded that LB-B1 was composed of repeating units with the following structure: alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->6)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->6)-alpha -D-Glc(p) 1 down arrow 6 (-->4)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->4)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->4)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->4)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->4-)-alpha -D-Glc(p)-(1 -->)(n)

PREPARATION AND STRUCTURE OF FIVE DERIVATIVES OF β-(1→3)-D-GLUCAN ISOLATED FROM PORIA COCOS SCLEROTIUM

A new solvent of cellulose (1.5 mol/L NaOH/0.5 mol/L urea aqueous solution) was used as one of the homogeneous reaction media of polysaccharides for methylation, hydroxyethylation and hydroxypropylation. A water insoluble β -(1—>3)-D-glucan, sample PCS3- isolated from fresh sclerotium of Poria cocos was sulfated in dimethyl sulfoxide (Me 2 SO), carboxymethylated in NaOH, isopropanol solution, as well as methylated, hydroxyethylated and hydroxypropylated in the new solvent system, respectively, to obtain five water-soluble derivatives coded as S-PCS3- C- PCS3- M-PCS3- HE-PCS3- and HP-PCS3- Their chemical structure and distribution of substitution were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), elementary analysis (EA), 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, 2D-COSY, 2D-TOCSY and 2D- 1 H-detected 1H 13C HMQC spectra. The results reveal that the relative reactivity of hydroxyl groups of the β -(1-?3)-D-glucan is in the order C-6 > C-4 > C-2 on the whole. The substitution of the samples S-PCS3- C-PCS3- and M-PCS3- occurred mainly at C-6 position and secondly at C-4 and C-2 positions, and that of HE-PCS3- occurred at C-6 and C-4 positions and of HP-PCS3- almost completely occurred at C-6 position. The degrees of substitution (DS) obtained from 13 C-NMR range from 0.23 to 1.27. The water solubility of the derivatives is in the order S-PCS3- >C-PCS3- >M-PCS3- >HE-PCS3- >HP-PCS3- This work provides a novel and nonpolluting process for the methylation, hydroxyethylation and hydroxypropylation of β -(1—>3)-D-glucan.

Structural Characterization of Glucan Produced by Lactobacillus sake L-7 from Sausage

A linear glucan was produced by Lactobacillus sake L-7 isolated from homemade sausage. Cultivation of the strain in Man–Rogosa–Sharpe(MRS) medium containing 50 g/L sucrose yielded 5.3 g/L of purified exopolysaccharide(EPS). The EPS was characterized by gas chromatography(GC), Fourier-transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-performance sizeexclusion chromatography(HPSEC), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The monosaccharide composition of the EPS was glucose, and its molecular weight was 1 × 10~7 Da. The FT-IR and NMR spectra revealed that the L-7 EPS was a linear glucan with α-(1 → 6) glucosidic bonds. SEM images of the dried EPS revealed a hollow tubular structure. The water solubility index and water holding capacity of L-7 EPS were 96 and 272%, respectively. The results of hydrolysis indicated that L-7 EPS was not susceptible to hydrolysis by physiological barriers and can be used as a soluble dietary fiber with health benefits. All these characteristics suggest that L-7 EPS might have potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.