AN ENZYMIC METHOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL AND WATER-SOLUBLE β-GLUCAN IN BARLEY

Abstract
Crude cellulase preparations from Trichoderma reesei, freed of amyloglucosidase by heating, will completely hydrolyse barley β-glucan to glucose. Apparent non-quantitative recovery of glucose is due to its adsorption by the high levels of protein present. Methods are given for the measurement of total and water-soluble β-glucan. Dehusking does not lower the amount of β-glucan which is measured.